An historic lifeboat restoration project is nearing completion, ten years after the famous vessel returned to Walton.

The James Stevens No.14, the world's oldest surviving motorised lifeboat, is being restored by the Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust.

The 43ft Victorian vessel will become a floating exhibit, illustrating traditional boatbuilding methods and early lifeboat design.

The project has cost more than £175,000, plus the unquantifiable cost of volunteer labour.

Essex County Council officials visited the exhibit at Titchmarsh Marina, Walton, to see how £14,000 from its community initiatives fund has helped.

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