REPAIRS to an historic ship have offered a rare opportunity to inspect traditional shipbuilding skills.

Work on the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle has been completed a month ahead of schedule and the vessel is preparing to return to her mooring in Hartlepool marina.

The restoration work has been carried out by local company HQ Engineering and the improvements are designed to make the floating education centre, coffee shop and museum's hull watertight for years to come.

The vessel, which was built in the town in 1934 and subsequently worked as a ferry on the Humber, has been undergoing restoration work in the dry dock at the Hartlepool Maritime Experience after temporarily swapping places with HMS Trincomalee.

She will return to her usual berth alongside the Museum of Hartlepool next week, where planned improvements to her interior will continue.

The Wingfield Castle project, which has been funded by One NorthEast, Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Partnership, is the first of several major improvements expected at the Maritime Experience during the next two years.

These improvements will include a new Fighting Ships audio-visual attraction, a new exhibition area and refurbishment of the suites of rooms used for hosting events and corporate functions.

Published: 24/03/2006