A mysterious donor has left £100,000 in his will to help restore a historic paddle steamer.

The late Matthew Baldwin bequeathed the lump sum to the Medway Queen Preservation Society.

Mr Baldwin, who has relatives in the Medway area, passed away in November 2012. He was a life member of the society but the group’s spokesman Brian Goodhew said they don’t know any more about him or his connections to the Medway Queen.

Mr Goodhew added: “But we are so grateful to Mr Baldwin and to his family for carrying out his wishes.”

Mr Baldwin requested that an inscription be copied into the records of the charity which should, in due course, be permanently be reproduced in some visible part of the Medway Queen.

The society has agreed with the executors of Mr Baldwin’s will that the money should go towards fitting out the after saloon of the paddle steamer, work which will be carried out when the ship returns to Medway later this year.

Mr Goodhew said: “The saloon would have had carved mahogany walls where people could sit in comfort and watch the sights of the river pass by. We plan to create the same standard of excellence when we complete the restoration.

"There will be a plaque on the wall to acknowledge Mr Baldwin’s donation.”

It is hoped the paddle steamer will be returning to Medway in the next few months, when it will be towed to Gillingham Pier from Bristol. Plans are in place for a flotilla of boats to meet her as she comes down the Medway.