Maldon could be turned into a regional skills hub for historic vessels, according to a heritage boss.

The director of National Historic Ships, Martyn Heighton, visited Maldon last week and was so impressed with the town that he discussed the possibility of turning it into East Anglia’s skills hub.

Topsail Charters had invited Mr Heighton down to see its fleet of barges and to discuss issues around funding, sustainability and skills.

National Heritage Ships (NHS) is the official voice for historic ships in the UK and is the equivalent of English Heritage for vessels.

Mr Heighton was given a tour of the Hythe and afterwards Topsail hosted a reception for Maldon organisations involved in the operation and restoration of seven of the Maldon Barges and Steam Tug Brent.

Managing director of Topsail Charters, Stephanie Valentine said: “Maldon is rightly proud of its distinctive Heritage and we hope this visit by NHS leads to wider recognition and funding possibilities”.