A Victorian steam launch has been converted into a floating restaurant setting sail on the Helford River from this week.

Gweek Classic Boatyard has converted ‘Constance’ to electric and given her a full restoration, ready to be chartered for luxury catered cruises along the Helford River.

The historic boat, which was built in 1895 and originally owned by the Shuttleworth collection, will be able to take up to ten guests at a time.

The boatyard has teamed up with chef Mark Devonshire - previously executive chef for Rick Stein in Padstow - and the team at The Wood-Fired Kitchen, to create four different catering packages, which all include a glass of Prosecco.

Afternoon tea costs £65 per person, to include items such as Victoria sandwich, Bakewell tart Battenberg and a selection of other cakes, scones and sandwiches, while evening canapés and lunches cost £75 and dinner is £85, the latter including canapés on arrival.

Both lunch and dinner feature dishes such as maple and mustard glazed ham with fire glazed peaches, asparagus, spinach and Cornish blue cheese quiche, new potatoes, smoked mackerel scotch egg, breads and salads, and lemon tart with clotted cream, plus a glass of wine.

Guests will be met at the Ferry Boat Inn at Helford Passage to be taken by the Helford River Ferry to Constance, moored at the entrance to Port Navas Creek, although pick-ups from the south side of the river and Budock Vean Hotel can be made by arrangement.

In addition to a meal, guests will also be able to stop at beauty spots along the Helford, including Tremayne Quay and Frenchman’s Creek.

Constance is due to take her maiden voyage this week before becoming available for charter.

She will be entered in the Falmouth Classics in June and can be hired over the Falmouth Classics weekend, during the racing, parade of sail and small boat parade, as well as other special events including the South West Gaffers Helford River Rally in June, Port Navas Regatta in July and Falmouth Week in August.