SHIP builders welcomed a prestigous guest for a tour around their ambitious project just days after the first rib of the historic vessel was lowered into place.

Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Koji Sekimizu, had a VIP tour around the Mayflower Project in George Street in Harwich, which aims to build a replica of the 17th century pilgrim ship, after seeing part of the build on his way out of the town last summer.

The visit included a look at the renovated Victorian railway station being used as the training school for job seekers, the ship build shed, and the laid keel of the Mayflower with the first frame in place.

Chairman Tom Daly, said: "I think having somebody like the secretary-general of a huge subsidary of the United Nations come to a little project like ours was an amazing boost for us all."

For more information about the charity visit www.harwichmayflower.com or to donate to the project text THMP16 followed by amount to 70070.