A MALDON charity has been awarded more than £25,000 in development funding for an upcoming project.

The Thames Sailing Barge Trust has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with a project that will see the restoration of one of their barges.

The charity works to preserve Thames barges for the benefit of the public and to pass on the skill required to sail them.

The money will be spent on applying for a full grant from the HLF to cover the cost of the project, estimated to be around £480,000.

If the Trusta is successful in obtaining the full grant then work will commence in autumn 2018, with the project being completed in September 2020.

A team of volunteers, trainees and skilled craftsmen will replace decking, hatches and any weakened structural timbers on the barge, named ‘Pudge’, to ensure it remains a licenced and sailing Thames Sailing Barge.

‘Pudge’ was built in 1922 for the London & Rochester Barge Company, and was the last wooden sailing barge ever built.

In 1940, the barge was selected to go to Dunkirk to help with the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force and took part in the 50th and 75th anniversary commemorations of the Dunkirk Evacuation.

Roger Newlyn, Trustee and Chairman of the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, said: “As ‘Pudge’, our veteran Dunkirk Little Ship approaches her 95th birthday it is great news to know that the Heritage Lottery  Fund are supporting the Thames Sailing Barge Trust in our objectives of conserving her for future generations.

“In addition, it will give us the ability to educate those future generations with the skills to sail and maintain such craft.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, East of England, said: “For over 70 years the Thames Sailing Barge Trust has helped to ensure that the familiar sight of red sailed barges continues to give identity to the East coast of England.

“Now, thanks to National Lottery players, the Trust has received earmarked funding to spearhead a project to maintain ‘Pudge’ as part of our maritime heritage.

“With HLF support, members of the public will be able to explore the history of the vessel, her traditions and her trade as part of this restoration project.”