One of our intrepid Punchline reporters was told to get on his bike this afternoon...

Yes, crack journalist Andy Merrell has taken to two wheels to ensure that the arrival of the Tall Ships into Gloucester is recorded on camera.

Updates as the Tall Ships head into Gloucester

By 4.30pm the TS Royalist was getting ready to weigh anchor in Gloucester docks.

The ships heading down the canal at the back of Bristol Road industrial estates.

Four ships have spent the morning sailing up the Gloucester-Sharpness canal in formation.

Led by French vessell La Malouine they have been in close formation with The Matthew, TS Royalist and Vilma following close behind.

La Malouine was built in Gdansk in Poland in 1972, under the name of Bogdan, this boat was originally a tug which served until 1992 in the former East Germany. She is one of 14 ships of the same type built.

The Tall Ships and Adventure Festival kicks off on Saturday at 10am. For tickets log on to www.gloucestertallships.co.uk

Read more: How to get to the Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure Festival