Perched on a platform 20ft above the waves, signwriter Alun Powell began one of the most unusual jobs of his 20-year career.

Atlantic Marine, owners of a 250ft-long ocean research vessel currently berthed at Shoreham Harbour, called on Alun when they decided it needed a lick of fresh paint.

The MV Bremen, which has five decks and a heliport, is believed to be the largest yet to squeeze into the port.

It managed to squeeze through the locks with only 18in clearance at either side.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend Alun, 42, from Goring, has been hovering in mid-air at the end of the 60ft crane arm sprucing up the ship's lettering, crest and funnel designs.

He said: "When I first saw the ship it just took my breath away. I thought, 'Oh my God, it's huge'.

"It had been renamed while in port in Norway but they hadn't had time to do a proper job before setting out to sea so it needed sorting out.

"The first time I went to have a look we were peering over the side trying to figure out how to do it and it was making me feel quite giddy.

"They hired this enormous machine and I was hoisted out over the sea. It took a day to do the lettering and the crest and it's never felt so good to be back on terra firma."

Alun is back at the port today putting the finishing touches to the funnel before the Bremen, which weighs 5,000 tons, departs early next month.