A LIFEBOAT which was used in three daring attempts to rescue the crew of a vessel off the North-East coast is to start her journey home tomorrow.

Hartlepool Headland Historical and Cultural Trust is bringing The Princess Royal Lifeboat home. She will leave her present berth at Barry Island, South Wales tomorrow and arrive in Hartlepool on Friday.

The Princess Royal was in service off Hartlepool from October 1939 until June 1960.

In 1942, Lieutenant William H Bennison was awarded the RNLI's gold medal after taking the boat on three rescue attempts to a stricken ship off Seaton Carew.

Brian Stringer, spokesman of the Restoration Association, said: "The group cannot wait to get the boat home. A lot of work, time, effort, manpower and money will be needed to complete the restoration of an important part of Hartlepool's maritime history."

The local restoration association and the Hartlepool Headland Historical and Cultural Trust, have already set up partnerships with Heerema and Clevestone Transport, but would like to work with local companies to complete the project.

They are also putting together a list of volunteers, especially those with expertise in boat restoration and repairs.

Anyone who is interested can contact Brian Stringer on (01429) 280853, Anita Sanderson on (01429) 270396 and Kevin Kelly on (01429) 428489.