FROM shipwreck to shipshape. Two hundred and fifty thousand man hours have culminated in a Little Easton man s dream coming true. Alan Pedley, who lives on Park Road Little Easton, has spent the last six years of his life overseeing a project to turn a 54

FROM shipwreck to shipshape. Two hundred and fifty thousand man hours have culminated in a Little Easton man's dream coming true.

Alan Pedley, who lives on Park Road Little Easton, has spent the last six years of his life overseeing a project to turn a 54-year-old, 650-ton yacht into a luxury liner fit for a world tour.

The vessel, Harmony II, measures 57 meters long and can reach 12 knots whilst accommodating 200 guests.

It was moved on Friday, February 15, to the most prestigious spot in London docklands - South Quay at West India Docks, adjacent to Canary Wharf and the O2 arena.

Dennis Fink, manager of the British Waterways Docklands, said: "I am delighted to welcome Harmony II.

"London's Docklands is the heart of the global financial world and it is fitting that a British ship is here as a centrepiece."

The yacht is the first of her kind to be based at the quay and since it's re-fit in Ipswich has become one of top 100 yachts in the world.

Alan, along with his brother Martin, bought the boat in 2001 after it had been rescued in the river Mersey during engine trials,in 2002.

It was put into a dry dock for repairs before being towed to Ipswich's Haven Marina and given its name Harmony II, which refers to a boat of the same name built by the brothers' father Neville.

Alan said: "My father was the real inspiration behind the ship, he built a fast dinghy when we were younger and that was mine and my brothers first experience of boating; we always wanted to do something like this."

The Pedleys own a furniture shop in Saffron Walden. They used their experience and craftsmanship to deck out the ship to luxury standards.

Alan said: "We bought the wreck for £30,000 with the idea of creating a place to show off our furniture at home and abroad.

"It cost us about £3m over the six years to refurbish but the ship is now worth more than double that."

The ship is worth £7m and is set to host celebrity parties at events such as the Cannes film festival and the Monaco Grand Prix on its world tour, before visiting the Caribbean next winter.