A Britten-Norman Islander has been refurbished to join the anti-pollution fight in the North Sea and carry out duties for the Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique.

The Islander this month began service in the institute's Belgian North Sea survey project.

Project leader Thierry Jacques said: "The Islander will be used for general observation of the North Sea. Anti-pollution observation will be one of its duties. It will also be used to conduct oceanographic surveys and general marine observation duties."

Previously Islanders and crew in service with the Belgian Army carried out the duties.

Project co-ordinator Jean-Pierre Vojt said: "The Islander is due to spend 250 hours at sea on a

yearly basis."