Duchy steps in over abandoned boats

Prince William's estate the Duchy of Cornwall is stepping in after concerns were raised about dilapidated hulks on a south Devon river.

The duchy, which owns the riverbed on the River Avon between Aveton Gifford and Bigbury, said it was "working in conjunction with our moorings manager to deal with a small number of abandoned boats".

Locals have raised their fears about six boats, one of which is almost covered by water at high tide and the potential pollution from fuel and oil on board.

The rising number of abandoned boats has led to a headache for harbourmasters, especially in popular sailing areas like the South East and South West, according to the British Ports Association (BPA).