'Boaty McBoatface' makes debut in Liverpool

Hull of research vessel officially known as RRS David Attenborough launches into the River Mersey

The vessel popularly known as Boaty McBoatface will make its debut on Saturday in Liverpool, where the hull will be launched into the River Mersey before shipbuilders get to work finishing the ship in wet basin.

RRS Sir David Attenborough - the boat was officially named after the naturalist after the internet poll's top suggestion was rejected - will be used by the British Antarctic Survey for polar research from next year, when it is expected to be completed.