WELL-wishers waved off an historic lightship as it left Harwich after seven years birthed at the quayside.

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.

After seven years a build up of silt has caused the ship to start dangerously leaning, so it has been towed to Orwell Quay, Ipswich, while the birth is dredged.

Tony O'Neill, of the Pharos Trust, which owns and runs the lightship, said it was third time lucky for the move, which took place on Tuesday morning.

He said: "We were set to move on September 3 but we had insurance problems and we had to have a new survey to look at the ship, the tug and the tow rope.

"The second time we were meant to go last Saturday but the tug company, who are doing it for just the fuel costs for us, had to take a commercial job.

"It took three months to get the ship ready, we repainted it and did some repairs and we had to cut the bolts that hold it to the birth."

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.

Tony added: "It's gorgeous up here, they have given us a great welcome.

"We've had a great response from Ipswich Borough Council and the Ipswich community.

"It took us nearly three hours to ger here and people were here taking pictures and videos.

"We are the ambassadors for Tendring and bringing the message of Turning the Tide on Plastic for the Haven Authority."