ONE of Maldon's Thames Sailing barges used in the rescue of British troops from the beaches of Dunkirk is to get a new lease of life.

Maldon's historic sailing barge Pudge is to undergo a major refit at Fullbridge Quay, where the boat is now resting on a floating dock – and a viewing point with information panels for visitors has been set up while the work goes on. The panels at the quay tell the tale of Pudge's history and adventures.

Pudge was built in 1922 and has been a familiar local sight since purchased by the Thames Barge Sailing Club in 1968.

The vessel is famous for the role it played in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, surviving a German air attack which sank a nearby tug and two other barges.

Pudge rescued the other crews and returned to England with them, but 15-year-old deck hand John Atkins from the barge Lady Rosebery died in the incident.

More than 2,000 Thames barges were registered in 1900 and were an essential part of the coastal trade to and from London. Less than 40 survive now and Maldon's Hythe Quay is famous for its resident fleet of barges.

The Thames Barge Sailing Trust is using volunteers, trainees and skilled craftsmen to replace many of the barge's timbers including decking and hatches. This will ensure her future for many years to come.

The sailing barges are a priceless part of Maldon's maritime heritage, as well as a source of pleasure for visitors.

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The project is supported by the Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Trinity House, the Essex Heritage Trust and the Foyle Foundation.