Landlubbers were invited onto a steam tug during the Maldon Regatta to help raise money for a new boiler which could cost £100,000.

An open day was held upon the Brent, which was built in 1945 and is the last surviving steam vessel of the Port of London Authority's fleet.

It is also just one of only three steam vessels of its kind left in the country which were once used on the River Thames and in the London docks.

Trustee Janet Hall said: “We are trying to raise our profile and get supporters so that we have got a following.

“We just want to make the people of Maldon aware of what’s going on with the Brent as we go and try and get funding.”

The tug is permanently moored on the river at the quayside.