A marinised tractor the size of a house travelled 25 miles inland from Caister to the Royal Norfolk Show.

Caister Lifeboat attended the show to display their new £250,000 tractor which will be in action once the one-of-a-kind new £1.6m Medina-class boat arrives at the station on Beach Road.

Assistant coxswain Richard Thurlow said the two-year build, which includes the new vessel, tractor and trailer, has been an "extremely complex" but "ultimately incredible" project.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Former Caister Lifeboat coxswain Dick Thurlow and his son, and current assistant coxswain, Richard onboard the Lifeboat's new tractor. Picture - Sonya DuncanFormer Caister Lifeboat coxswain Dick Thurlow and his son, and current assistant coxswain, Richard onboard the Lifeboat's new tractor. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"Not many people expect to see a sea tractor this far inland," said Mr Thurlow.

"But this is likely the only chance we will have to show off this beauty at the Royal Norfolk Show. The reaction to it has been brilliant."

The tractor has been fully converted to tackle rough terrain, ensuring the lifeboat's new vessel - which has yet to be named - can swiftly get out to see and help save lives.

Mr Thurlow said the new boat is expected to be back in Caister in the next three weeks while trials continue.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Caister Lifeboat has been on a two-year journey to rejuvenate its service. Picture - Sonya DuncanCaister Lifeboat has been on a two-year journey to rejuvenate its service. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"With a bit of luck and a fair wind, hopefully the new boat will be home permanently in time for August bank holiday," said Mr Thurlow.

Over 40 companies have pulled together during the lifeboat's £2.5m build, and the crew has persevered in fundraising across the country.

Mr Thurlow said the new vessel, tractor and trailer should help Caister Lifeboat see through the next 25 years.

The new Medina-class vessel will replace the Bernard Matthews II, which has saved more than 50 lives over its 18 years in action.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The 45-feet long vessel is expected to make its Caister homecoming sometime during the summer. Picture - Diverse MarineThe 45-feet long vessel is expected to make its Caister homecoming sometime during the summer. Picture - Diverse Marine (Image: Diverse Marine)

"I'm extremely proud of the whole team, the companies who have helped enormously, and all of our supporters," Mr Thurlow said.

"We see each time we get a new vessel as a bookmark to an era. And we are so excited for our next chapter."