SHIPBUILDERS in Devon have come to the rescue of one of Medway's best loved ships. Apprentices at the Appledore Shipyard will build a new funnel for the Medway Queen paddle steamer.

The ship is famous for its rescue of thousands of troops during the Dunkirk evacuations. The apprentices will be visiting the vessel at its berth at Damhead Creek, Kingsnorth Industrial Estate on the Hoo Peninsula, on Sunday, to take measurements.

Trainees learning the ancient art of shipbuilding, will use original pictures and drawings to create the 6ft diameter steel funnel. The shipyard was approached after the North Kent Engineering General Municipal Boilermakers Union got together with the Medway Queen Preservation Society.

Mick Laws, the society's branch secretary, said: "The GMB has been great. A representative from the southern region said it would be a good project for trainees to make a funnel.It will look quite impressive."

There will be an open day this Sunday at the Medway Queen, from 12.30pm.