THE Herefordshire ship set to sail on the River Thames for the Diamond Jubilee has taken to the water for the first time.

The Wye Trow, one of 1,000 vessels being built to sail through London on June 3, took to the water for the first time at Gloucester Docks. The eight-strong crew who will row the boat is now being selected.

The Jubilee trow is based upon the traditional River Wye boats commonly used to haul goods on the Herefordshire waterway 200 years ago.

The boat is designed around the remains of a Wye Trow discovered at Lydney.

The official naming ceremony of the ship will take place in Hereford High town in May.

It will then be at the King George V playing fields on July 11 when the Queen is set to visit Herefordshire.