VISITORS to the Barbican will be able to ride on the only tourist passenger hovercraft operating in Europe when a new venture launches next month.

Tiger Hover Tours is bringing the bright yellow and grey craft, pictured left, to Plymouth and will launch its daily trips from the Barbican Landing Stage on June 6.

The arrival of the craft will also coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first cross-Channel hovercraft crossing.

Previously Tiger Hover Tours operated the hovercraft as a rental facility for tourists in Wales and the North West area of the UK.

It also operated out of London and, in 2006, became the first speed boat company to launch in the capital.

But the business' owner, Paul Gaughan, said he was looking at operating the hovercraft business from a permanent base.

"The hovercraft is a unique bit of kit and we scoured the country looking for the best location in which to operate it," he said.

"We just felt that Plymouth was perfect for it. The breakwater keeps conditions fairly calm and perfect to operate the hovercraft.

"We just consider Plymouth to be the best location in the country and we are delighted to be launching here."

The 10m by 5m Tiger 12 Hovercraft is the only coastguard-approved passenger carrying hovercraft of its type in Europe.

It can seat 10 passengers and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 knots (more than 40mph).

It is fully amphibious allowing the transition from sea to land in areas that are not accessible to other craft.

Hovercraft ride on a bed of air and do not disturb the ground or produce wash on the water, making them environmentally sound.

As well as around Plymouth Sound, passengers will be able to blast up the River Plym where no other vessel can go and travel over mud and sand – as well as water.

George Skinner, chairman of Maritime Plymouth, said: "The hovercraft will definitely prove a hit with people in Plymouth.

"It will help to encourage people to get out on the water."

The craft is due to feature in the marine section of Plymouth's 'festival' of activities in the city centre and on the Hoe on Saturday May 30 to officially welcome the new Lord Mayor of Plymouth.

The business will then launch on June 6.

The first Channel crossing by a hovercraft took place on July 25, 1959, 50 years to the day after Louis Bleriot had first flown the Dover Strait by aeroplane.

Passenger services started across the Solent to the Isle of Wight from 1964, and continue to this day.

For details of the business venture, call Tiger Hover Crafts on 0870 766 9125.