Devon and Cornwall Police have chartered the mega ferry MS Silja Europa, one of the world’s largest cruise/ferries to accommodate around 1,000 officers being drafted into Cornwall to protect leaders of the G7 meeting in Carbis Bay next month.

The 60,000 ton ship will be moored at Falmouth Docks for ten days.

A force spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the vessel owners, ports authorities and health partners to ensure the safe use of this accommodation.

"Those staying onboard will strictly follow all the applicable Covid safety guidelines, enhanced by daily testing - consistent with staff staying at all other accommodation sites across the force area."

The cruise ship, currently docked in Tallinn in Estonia, will be moored in Falmouth for 10 days and used by police for accommodation, catering and other "essential facilities".

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson for G7 planning said: "We will be deploying over 6,000 officers and staff to this event and we are supporting a vast range of local businesses and suppliers as part of our extensive logistical arrangements.

"This includes using over 4,000 rooms at almost 200 venues across Devon and Cornwall which will support local communities and accommodate police officers and staff deployed from across the UK.