The largest passenger ship ever to sail from Dover arrived at the port this morning - ready for a star-studded inauguration ceremony.

Carnival Splendor sailed into the port just after 6am ready to be named by musician and TV presenter Myleene Klass - with a little help from a Royal Navy diver.

The 113,000 tonne ship, which can carry up to 4,914 passengers, is berthed at Dover Cruise Terminal, where guests will assemble at lunchtime for the ceremony.

After meeting the captain and visiting some of the facilities on board the ship, classical pianist Myleene will go to the Lido Deck at 2pm to play Handel's Water Music on a baby grand piano.

During the piece, she will send a unique radio signal to PO Christian Rumming, 39, who will be waiting underwater, assisted by a Royal Navy dive team led by Lt Ian Richardson.

When he hears the signal PO Rumming will let out some compressed air from his diving tanks and then climb, in wet suit, safety harness and flippers, a 60ft marlin rope up the side of the ship to smash a bottle against the Carnival Splendor's name on the bow.

Myleene said: “Not only am I excited about launching my first-ever ship with the Carnival Splendor, but also I am so looking forward to working with the Royal Navy men who seem to be under my command - if only for a couple of minutes!”

The people of Dover have their chance to join in the celebrations at 5pm, when a carnival-style event is held on the Prince of Wales Pier.

The ship sails out of the port at 7pm for a three-day preview cruise to Amsterdam, returning to Dover on Sunday, departing the same day for its official inaugural 12-day cruise to the Baltic countries.