Community leaders and residents of a popular coastal town came out in force to welcome an impressive guest as the cruise ship Saga Pearl II lay anchor in Southwold.

Eastern Daily Press: Saga cruise ship makes a stop at Southwold during a round Britain cruise.Southwold Town Mayor Melanie Tucker greets the tourists from the ship.Saga cruise ship makes a stop at Southwold during a round Britain cruise.Southwold Town Mayor Melanie Tucker greets the tourists from the ship. (Image: ©archant2016)

Passengers and crew of the 164-metre long vessel were greeted with a handshake from Southwold town mayor, Melanie Tucker, as they disembarked from the ship's tender at the town Harbour this morning.

Melanie Tucker said: 'People have been becoming increasingly excited about the cruise ship stopping in the town, especially with the benefits it will bring to the local economy.

'I would like to see many more cruise ships coming here in the future and wish both passengers and crew a pleasant stay in Southwold.'

The Saga Pearl II docked in Southwold as the final destination of the Hidden Britain cruise, which saw the vessel docking in other locations around Britain such as Newcastle, Saint Helier and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland.

Michael Ladd, Waveney District Council cabinet member for tourism and economic development, said: 'The influx of nearly 400 people coming to Southwold and East Suffolk is a great boost to the local economy.

'It is the first cruise ship we have had in the town, so today is quite a historic moment and I hope more cruise ships will come here in the future.'

Before leaving Southwold Harbour for the Port of Dover later this evening, more than 400 passengers will participate in an exciting itinerary of tours and activities, including visits to Adnams Brewery, Sutton Hoo and Helmingham Hall Gardens.