Huge crowds gathered at Boeing's assembly plant in Everett in Washington state, to see the first production model of the 787 Dreamliner make its public debut.

There were no crash barriers to stop visitors and Boeing staff getting as close as they wanted to the 787, Boeing's first all-new aircraft for more than a decade.

Boeing chief executive Jim McNerney took the stage in front of thousands of Boeing employees and invited dignitaries to introduce his firm's latest aircraft.

A Boeing employee makes sure his son gets as close as possible to the aircraft his father has worked on.

Boeing is billing the Dreamliner as much more environmentally friendly than its competitors, with carbon fibre making up 50% of the fuselage and engines which burn less fuel.

There was little on the outside of the aircraft that visitors could not touch - although the inside has yet to be completed.

Boeing has so far received 677 orders for its Dreamliner, the latest chapter in the rivalry between Boeing and Europe's Airbus to dominate the commercial jet market.