Mersea islanders have defied strong winds and a foul tide in their bid to save their beloved Packing Shed Island.

Stormy weather in recent years has eroded shell banks on which the packing shed, a former oyster distribution centre, has stood since the 1890s.

Now, thanks to a £13,000 fund given by local groups and individuals, the shed's trust has launched a rescue campaign involving bargeloads of Scottish granite.

Poor weather meant that the first delivery had to be postponed, but eventually it went ahead, despite both barges - one carrying a crane to offload the stones - becoming grounded.

Trustee Paddy Ryan said: "I don't think it was heart-in-the-mouth, but we were worried that the tide would go out, and there would be no water to allow the barge in.

"It all went well in the end though. But there were some tricky moments when they were manoeuvring."

The initial 150 tonnes of fist-sized stones could be supplemented by another three loads, possibly starting today.

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