A SPECIALLY adapted 50 foot barge was this week lifted into the River Ouse in central York, to make a start on major renovations and repairs at Marygate landing.

The boat - which was built in Goole in the mid 1980s - was adapted by York firm CDMS Sub-surface Engineering and the Elvington based Protek Marine to include a heavy crane which could be used in shallow water.

After a 15 weeks job in Stourport on Severn, the boat has returned to its home city for its second ever commission, and together with four divers is expected to be on site at Marygate landings until Christmas.

Company owner Steve Fila said: "The barge is road transportable, so we can pick it up and take to wherever in the country we want it.

"When the barge is craned into the water it's always an eye-catching sight and gets a bit of attention from passers-by."