After many years away, Westmoreland is back at Lower Halstow.

The brick sailing barge, believed to be the last of its kind in Kent, returned to the creek last week but is yet to return to its original working dock.

A berth has been offered for the next 25 years by the parish council to allow the restoration and operation of the vessel provided the trust, which was set up to oversee the £1m project, is successful in its bid for Heritage Lottery funding.

Until then it only has a temporary lease of 27 months during which volunteer members of the Westmoreland Trust Community Interest Company (CIC) must submit their application. As a result she will remain in the creek on a mooring until it is approved.

A total of £2,000 was needed to move her from Otterham where she had been moored for the last couple of years. However, despite only just over £200 being raised, the transfer still went ahead thanks to interested parties agreeing to defer payment until the target is met.

People are now being urged to make a donation via the website www.justgiving.com/yimby/Westmoreland to cover the cost.

Greg Diddams, vice-chairman of the trust, said: “Please get behind the project and help us raise the funds to keep her safe until the Heritage Lottery bid can be submitted. We have enjoyed so much support from you all but please pledge if you can.”

For updates, visit Facebook page Thames Sailing Barge Westmoreland.