Former lifeboat becomes glamping 'yellow submarine'

A lifeboat that was stolen when pirates attacked a tanker off the coast of Africa has been reborn at a glamping site.

Now themed as a yellow submarine, it can be rented in a field near Cheddar in Somerset.

It comes complete with a 'shark warning system' and 'giant octopus detector'.

It was converted into accommodation by Andy Barton, who fitted it with a kitchen, beds, and nautical gadgets for children to play with.

The lifeboat belonged to a tanker which was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

It was found years later, drifting between the UK and northern Spain.

Mr Barton, who has also converted American buses into accommodation, was contacted by a friend to say it was on the market.

It took him around six months and £10,000 to complete.

There is now a bed, bunkbed and sofa, as well as gauges and real portholes.

"My family and friends think I'm bonkers," said Mr Barton. "It's really exciting because it is so different.

"It's not a bell tent, it's not a shepherd's hunt - it's just very, very different."

The submarine, which costs £149 a night to hire at Cheddar's Petruth Paddocks, has already proved popular.

Site owner Jules Sayer said bookings started coming in as soon as it was advertised.

"It's a great addition to the site," he said. "We've very happy to host it here. I'm sure families are going to love staying in it."