A group dedicated to preserving and securing a future for Maldon's maritime heritage has launched a new plaque scheme to celebrate historical buildings and vessels in the region.

Jennifer Tolhurst, the lord lieutenant of Essex, unveiled the Maldon and Heybridge Heritage Harbour Association's first plaque at Cooks Yard on Saturday (5 March).

The historic shipyard, on the River Blackwater, specialises in the construction of Thames sailing barges and operated from the 1890s to the 1980s before being taken over by Topsail Charters in 1999.

Ms Tolhurst told residents at the unveiling ceremony that Cooks Yard "was, and still is, a thriving boat building and repair yard".

She said: "It gives me enormous pleasure to unveil the first of these plaques.

"I hope that their presence will help remind visitors and the people of Maldon about the wonderful history of this town and be an inspiration for young people to keep the traditional crafts going and celebrate yours and our heritage."

Maldon and Heybridge have been designated as a single heritage harbour - the first in Essex - as part of a joint scheme between the Maritime Heritage Trust and National Historic Ships.

The Maldon and Heybridge Harbour Association is made up of volunteers who work to promote, preserve and secure a future for the historic waterfront fabric, buildings and vessels of the harbour, which stretches from Beeleigh Abbey to Colliers Reach.

Ms Tolhurst, a patron of the Maldon and Heybridge Heritage Harbour Association, said: "As well as supporting the fantastic work that businesses, charities and the council carry out here in Maldon and Heybridge, we also have the ambition that the Hythe at Maldon retains its status as a working quay for the Thames sailing barges - plus using the historic vessels and parts of the designated harbour to be a centre for sustainable cargoes."

The Thames sailing barges operated by Topsail Charters are Thistle, from 1895, Reminder, dating back to 1929, and Hydrogen, which was built in 1906.

Ms Tolhurst thanked "all those who are involved" with the association and its new plaque scheme.

She continued: "I dare not pick out anybody individually for fear of missing out key people, but there is one person to whom the scheme owes a great deal and who very sadly died during the pandemic - Dr Andrea Raiker, an academic with a passion for this project.

"I had a very happy day walking with her and Janet Hall around the upper reaches of the Blackwater and Chelmer.

"She is sadly missed but there is great enthusiasm for the project amongst the rest of the team which is marvellous."

Owners of vessels, businesses and historic riverside buildings in the heritage harbour can now apply to have a plaque designated.

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