The long battle to restore the veteran paddle steamer Medway Queen to her former glory reaches an important milestone this Friday.

Mayor of Medway Cllr David Carr and MP Jonathan Shaw will be at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard for the signing of the £1.8 million contract to build the Medway Queen’s new hull.

Also attending will be representatives from The Historic Dockyard, The Heritage Lottery Fund and the GMB union.

Many volunteers who have given their time over the years to help to keep the project alive will also make the journey to witness the next chapter in the Medway Queen’s colourful story.

Signatories on the contract will be David Abels for David Abels (Shipbuilders) of Bristol, and John Kempton, chairman of the Medway Queen Preservation Society.