MORE than 150 marine firms from Hampshire are hoping to cash in on the multi-million-pound trade generated at the Schroders London International Boat Show from today.

The 50th show is being held over ten days at the ExCeL centre, Docklands, London, after moving from Earls Court.

More than 180,000 visitors are expected to see about 800 boats on show, with 154 Hampshire firms exhibiting.

Attractions include the 4,900-tonne Type-23 frigate HMS Northumberland (436ft); Britain's newest purpose-built tall ship, the brigantine Prince William (196ft); the Dutch schooner Mare Frisium (170ft); the Dutch barquentine Thalassa (183ft), and (from Monday) the UK Indoor Windsurfing Championships.

For more information: www.londonboatshow.net