THE rich marine heritage, history and culture of Cornwall is being highlighted at The London Boat Show this week thanks to Cornwall Marine Network and King Harry's Cornwall.

The two organisations have joined forces to promote the duchy with the aim of encouraging more people to venture down to the county either by boat or for a boating-based holiday.

King Harry's Cornwall (KHC) is a comprehensive guide to all the best ingredients needed to plan and book a holiday in an area stretching from Eden down to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall including the Roseland peninsula.

The collection of 64 partners give the visitor informed choices of places to stay, things to do, places to eat and must-see attractions.

Funded by Objective One, King Harry's Cornwall has introduced a variety of avenues to promote Cornwall in the autumn, winter and spring. Now in its second year, the project has seen impressive results having distributed over 12,000 brochures and generated over two million hits on its website.

Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) was formed in 2002 by a voluntary steering group of 12 member businesses and aims to enhance the overall prosperity of marine sector companies in Cornwall.

Now with 110 member companies ranging in size from builders of super yachts down to pump manufacturers, the initiative is currently seeking EU Objective One funds for a three-year programme of marketing and training events.

The marketing manager for King Harry's Cornwall, Andy Phillips, said: "During the past week at the boat show, we have talked to hundreds of people all of whom commented on how they love visiting Cornwall. By enhancing their visit with boat trips, whether it be on a rib to spot dolphins or hiring a yacht for a trip to a secluded cove, we entice visitors back year after year."

The marketing director of Cornwall Marine Network, Tim Light added: "We plan to capitalise on Cornwall's strong brand by having a presence at trade shows across Europe and by providing help to CMN members to increase their business reach. We are very encouraged by the reception CMN has had at the boat show and once we gain funding we look forward to delivering increased awareness for our members."