Fireworks greeted the symbolic smashing of a bottle against the side of the largest passenger ship ever to sail from Dover.

In an inauguration ceremony with a difference, musician and TV presenter Myleene Klass played I Am Sailing on a baby grand piano on the deck of the Carnival Splendor.

During the piece, she sent a unique radio signal to PO Christian Rumming, 39, who was waiting underwater.

He then climbed, in wet suit, safety harness and flippers, a 60ft rope up the side of the ship to smash a bottle against the bow.

After the naming ceremony, Myleene was presented with a model of the ship in a bottle.

The people of Dover joined in the celebrations at a carnival-style event on the promenade outside Churchills hotel.

The 113,000 tonne Carnival Splendor, which can carry up to 4,914 passengers, is now on a three-day preview cruise to Amsterdam.

It returns to Dover on Sunday, departing the same day for its official inaugural 12-day cruise to the Baltic countries.