HARWICH'S iconic red lightship will be moving from it's home of seven years after a build up of silt has caused it to start dangerously leaning.

The LV18, the last manned lightship, was first permanently moored at The Quay in Harwich in 2011 despite opposition.

But it has become an iconic tourist attraction and this year celebrated it's 60th birthday since it was first launched as a lightship in Dartmouth.

Tony O'Neill, of the Pharos Trust, which owns and runs the lightship, said: "We are going for six weeks to Ipswich, leaving on September 3.

"We have to dredge the birth, after seven years it has silted up and we are beginning to lean over.

"It's rather dangerous for engineering.

"But we have been given a free birth for six weeks as we are going as a visiting vessel.

"It's huge for us."

Tony said the move will also give the Pharos Trust a chance to spread the message of the LV18 and it's past as well as promoting Harwich.

While the LV18 is away, the Harwich Haven Authority will dredge the birth next to the Ha'Penny Pier.

Harbour Master Mike Dunn said: “We’re delighted to be facilitating and managing the LV18’s journey down to Ipswich.

“We have been working closely with the operators of the LV18 over the last few weeks to ensure we can safely move her out of her berth, which is a complex operation.

"Her movement along the River Orwell will be under the control of a Harwich Haven Authority pilot, supported by tug operator’s Svitzer and our workboat Hornbill.

“While the LV18 is moored in the Neptune Marina, Ipswich, we will also be dredging her berth alongside Harwich Quay as part of our planned maintenance programme.”