A REPLICA Thames Sailing Barge was welcomed to Maldon yesterday.

The Blue Mermaid barge, commissioned by Sea Change Sailing Trust, is a replica of a barge sunk by a mine in World War Two.

The barge will be used by the trust to help disadvantaged youths by taking them sailing and teaching them the craft as well as teamwork.

Its permanent home will be Hythe Quay, in Maldon, and crowds of people gathered their yesterday to welcome the vessel.

Amongst them was Maldon Town Mayor, Councillor Richard Miller.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said: “Good afternoon on a glorious day for us here in Maldon.

“On behalf of Maldon town and the whole of our district and Essex, we welcome the Blue Mermaid to what is going to be its permanent home here in Maldon.

“We are so fortunate that in this district we have many venues where this craft will be able to pass by and the youngsters will be able to see how wonderful this district is.”

Hilary Halajko, of Sea Change, said: “On behalf of my fellow trustees, the patrons and our volunteers, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Blue Mermaid.

“As you can imagine, there are many people I need to thank, but I do not want to miss anybody out so I have to thank everybody at once who helped make this possible.”

After the ceremony, there was a champagne reception, refreshments, and a chance to have a look on the Blue Mermaid.

Sea Change are still looking to raise a further £100,000 to fit the boat out.

They hope to have the money raised by next summer.

They will then be able to use the barge to take their classes out onto the water, cutting down on the costs of hiring boats and allowing them to run more sessions.