Water-skiing squirrel steals the show

Twiggy is pulled by a remote-controlled boat

A special celebrity is making a splash at the New York National Boat Show - Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel.

Twiggy - a Florida grey squirrel - is turning heads among those who have flocked to the Jacob K Javits Center to admire the millions of dollars worth of luxury boats.

Twiggy always wears a life-jacket while performing

Standing on a miniature pair of water skis in a custom-made pool, the timid little creature is towed behind a remote-controlled toy powerboat operated by her trainer, Lou Ann Best of Sanford, Florida.

Mrs Best says she has looked after and trained Twiggy for 20 years - since a hurricane blew the animal from its tree-top nest.

"You really can't discipline them," she said, describing her training techniques.

"It's a lot of love and repetition that gets them to where they are supposed to know what to do."

The performing squirrel has appeared on national television as well as at boat shows and fairs around the world.

Twiggy has provided an interesting diversion to some of the more extravagant items on display.

The biggest yacht in the show is a 57ft-long vessel called "The Azimut" which costs $1.75m.