The world’s last working sea-going paddle steamer is to return to a Kent harbour for the first time in more than 20 years.

Steamship, Waverley, was due to dock at Folkestone ahead of its three-hour voyage to Whitstable and then London on October 3.

However, organisers were forced to cancel following sudden high winds.

Yet the steamer, which was built in Glasgow in 1946, is set to finally catch the eyes of Folkestone residents when it docks at the east Kent town next year.

Carrying around 700 passengers, this would be the first time it has sailed into the town since 2002.

The Waverley was the last paddle steamer to be built for services in Clyde, Scotland, and is the last paddle steamer in service on the open sea.

It served there for almost 30 years before being bought by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1 in 1974.

It then spent its time travelling across UK coastlines, having also been listed in the National Historic Fleet by National Historic Ships UK as “a vessel of pre-eminent national importance" in 2003.

However, the steamer, which can reach speeds of up to 14 knots, or 26 kilometres per hour, was withdrawn from service in May 2019.

New boilers were needed for Waverley to sail again, but an appeal garnered more than 8,500 donation, raising the £2.3 million needed to keep the vehicle alive.

The vessel now docks at more than 60 ports and piers across the UK, including in other Kent spots such as Gravesend, where it travels along the Thames for ‘60s cruises and night-time sailings.

During each trip, either hot and cold snacks, an afternoon tea or a meal in the dining saloon are available to purchase. There’s also a gift shop on board.

Speaking ahead of the steamer's trip to Gravesend last month, Captain Dominic McCall said: “We’re offering more special event cruises than ever before, allowing passengers to experience Waverley while enjoying one-of-a-kind sailing.

“From historic anniversaries to pirate radio, there’s something for everyone onboard Waverley.

"We look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors for what promises to be an unforgettable series of cruises.”

A new date in 2025 for when the steamer docks at Folkestone is yet to be announced.

A spokesperson for Folkestone Harbour Arm said: "We are delighted to confirm that you're not going to have to wait another 20 years to see the world's only seafaring paddle steamer visit Folkestone.

"Waverley Excursions will dock at Folkestone Harbour next year as part of her 2025 sailing programme."