CAMPAIGNERS battling to save the veteran Medway Queen paddle steamer are jubilant after learning that they are to receive lottery cash of more than £1.8m.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the Medway Queen Preservation Trust a grant of £1,861,000.

It was third time lucky for the enthusiasts, who have made two previously unsuccessful applications for lottery funding.

The historic vessel, which rescued 7,000 troops from the Dunkirk beaches in 1940, is currently moored at Damhead Creek on the River Medway near Hoo. She was known as the Heroine of Dunkirk.

The Preservation Trust's fund-raising campaign started more than 20 years ago but there have been recent fears the vessel had deteriorated to the point of no return.

One estimate has put the cost of restoring the vessel to its former glory at £4million. The lottery cash will be used to restore the Medway Queen's hull.

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER