CAMPAIGNERS working to restore a lifeboat involved in a disaster nearly five decades ago are celebrating two major donations.

The George Elmy Heritage Project, based in Seaham, County Durham, will be able to realise its goal after being awarded £50,000 from The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £10,000 from Durham County Council chairman Councillor Mac Williams.

The disaster happened on November 17, 1962, when the George Elmy overturned only 30 yards from Seaham Harbour’s South Pier when it was hit by two large waves.

The dead included all five crew members and four fishermen they had just rescued. Only one person, who was on the fishing coble, survived.

The project, led by the East Durham Heritage Group, will explore the rich maritime, social and industrial history of east Durham, focusing particularly on the George Elmy lifeboat.

The vessel will be restored and used to help education in the community in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of the disaster next year.

It will also form the basis of a Heritage Learning Programme for children and community groups.

The East Durham Heritage Group is run by 12 volunteers.

Treasurer Brian Scollen said: “This is very welcome news. We have now reached our goal of raising £90,000 for the project.”

Heritage Lottery Fund North- East head Ivor Crowther, said: “The George Elmy lifeboat is of huge local significance and deserves to be restored and used as an educational tool for the community.

“We are delighted to be able to support this project and the people who have worked so hard to make it happen.”

Coun Williams, who was brought up in Seaham and selected the project as one of his charities, said: “The aim is for the George Elmy to become seaworthy again and become a showpiece for Seaham.

“It would be brilliant to eventually see her escorted under her own power by the RNLI back home to Seaham.

“This would be especially poignant as on her last call she never returned – and we want her to come home.”

The George Elmy will go on view in Seaham lifeboat station.