A SPECIAL model of a historic boat has been donated to a town museum.

Last Sunday, the Maldon Museum in the Park received a donation of a model of Steam Tug Brent.

The Thames vessel made during the Second World War has been a mainstay on the River Blackwater since 1971.

A spokesman said: “The model was made in the 1980’s by Ron Platt and was donated by Mrs. Platt on her 90th birthday on Sunday.

“Mrs. Platt arrived in Maldon from Sussex and enjoyed some tea while discussing the model.

“She noted that the fender visible on the model had been knitted by her.”

They continued: “Also present at the event was Janet Hall, who along with Ron Hall purchased Steam Tug Brent in the early 1970s when the vessel was due to be disposed, and brought it to Maldon, where it was regularly seen sailing the Blackwater.

“In 2011, the Steam Tug Brent Trust was formed with the intention of helping preserve the boat and restore it to working order one day.”

The model of Steam Tug Brent is available to see at Maldon Museum in the Park, which is open from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays.