IT was one of the proudest moments in Southampton's shipping history.

Hundreds of people turned out along the waterfront for the naming of the largest and most expensive liner the world has ever seen - Queen Mary 2.

The day had all the hallmarks of a vintage English event, from the pomp and ceremony to the fanfares and fireworks, and even driving rain and patriotic flag waving in between.

Young and old stood side by side in Mayflower Park to enjoy the moment the Queen officially named the £550m Cunard vessel.

Giant screens were erected to give the 2,000-strong crowd the chance to share the excitement with the hundreds of guests seated in a quayside marquee by the 150,000 ton liner.

Visitors cheered and applauded after the Queen said simply: "I name this ship Queen Mary 2. May God bless her and all who sail in her," before the champagne bottle was successfully smashed against the vessel.

People began to gather in the park and in Town Quay from the early afternoon, with many having already welcomed QM2 on her arrival to her home port on Boxing Day.

Among the hundreds of people that had gathered along the waterfront were some that could remember greeting the original Queen Mary in the city in the 1930s.

But for Liam Andrew yesterday was the moment he took his first proper peek at the outside world.

He was born just 11 days ago and proud mum Sophia Johnson, from Harefield, chose yesterday's momentous moment to take him out with her.

The 17-year-old said: "It is the first time we have taken him out with us since he was born. It is a shame about the weather but the boat does look really impressive."

Father of two David Smith, from Winchester, said: "I wanted to bring the family here because it is such an amazing day for Southampton.

"We came down here on Boxing Day too and it was amazing seeing her come in but today has been even more special."

Pensioner Brian Stevens, of Golden Grove, Southampton, said: "It is a historic day and a day that really puts Southampton on the map again.

"It is an amazing liner and I thought the fireworks were very good. The weather may not have been as good as it could have been, but it was still an incredible day."

Visitors who arrived early at Mayflower Park ahead of the big event were treated to entertainment from Power FM DJs and guests included Alistair Griffin, from TV's Fame Academy, to help warm up the chilly crowd.

And as the countdown began to the Queen's naming ceremony, the giant screens beamed images from the quayside marquee.

People gathered enjoyed performances by Heather Small and opera singer Lesley Garrett's spectacular version of Amazing Grace.

The video screens also relayed footage of some of Cunard's other illustrious liners over the decades.

Traders were able to cash in on the patriotic spirit by selling Union Jacks, which were joyously unfurled at the moment the liner was named.

And as the dazzling firework display lit up the darkening sky above the mighty Cunarder, it marked a fitting end to an incredible day and the beginning to another chapter in Southampton's remarkable shipping history.