HE was once the West's public enemy number one.

Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gadaffi was one of the most controversial figures on the world stage during the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

While making himself unpopular with the US and the UK, he liked nothing better than relaxing on the Mediterranean in his floating palace Al Farah.

Refit Today the 40-metre vessel is tied up in Southampton docks awaiting a refit.

Now under wraps in Ocean Quay, she still bears Gaddafi's crest on light fittings and other features, although the helicopter pad that was fitted when he owned it has been removed.

The superyacht can sleep eight guests in VIP cabins and 12 crew and, on the orders of the notorious leader, has had a hairdressing salon specially installed.

She has now been sold to a wealthy Russian who has demanded she be extended by five metres and refitted.

The work means a variety of contracts for local firms such as Southampton marine outfitters Trimline, which will be working to designs by Design Unlimited, based at Titchfield.

The 14-month project will see a total reworking of the interior in the owner's and guest accommodation, the main saloon, dining saloon, captain's accommodation, bridge and crew areas.

Nigel Spooner, technical and design director for Trimline said: "This is an extremely exciting project for Trimline and the cluster of superyacht specialists now becoming centred on Southampton. With the help of the British Marine Federation, we are now establishing Southampton as one of northern Europe's centres of excellence for work on these luxury vessels."

Gadaffi's regime was linked with the Lockerbie bombing, which killed 259 people on Pan Am flight 103 and 11 on the ground in December 1988.

He has since become a more accepted figure.