Diamond Jubilee: Bristol Pyronaut boat joins flotilla

The Pyronaut was used throughout the Blitz in World War II

A firefighting boat used in the Blitz has left Bristol to join the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Pyronaut has been lifted out of the city harbour to go to London in time for the flotilla on Sunday.

Curator Andy King said: "She was built in Bristol in 1934 and worked for the fire brigade fighting fires all the way through the Blitz."

The boat, which is owned by the Bristol Industrial Museum, will be one of 1,000 taking part in the pageant.

"She is going on her longest voyage ever I would think," Mr King said.

"We're taking her by lorry up to London, then she's going as far as Gravesend tonight.

"Then on Friday, we're taking her all the way up the Thames into Lambeth, where we're going to tie her up at the Fire Brigades Pier, ready to take part in the Queen's Jubilee Pageant on Sunday."