DONATIONS to save the Paddle Steamer Waverley have now exceed £500,000.

The steamship was withdrawn from service earlier this summer, after it emerged a major boiler refit was needed.

An appeal, to raise the £2.3million needed, was launched in June.

The Waverley, the last remaining seaworthy paddle steamer in the world, is a regular visitor to Bournemouth and the Jurassic Coast.

Waverley’s general manager Paul Semple, said: “Thanks to the fantastic public response to our Save The Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal we have reached a key milestone in our fundraising campaign.

"To date more than 4,000 individuals have donated with some of our core supporters giving a ‘once in a lifetime donation’ knowing that we urgently need funds to secure Waverley’s future.

"In addition, we have received offers of help from several organisations and companies, but we will need further help to get Waverley’s paddles turning again.”

Waverley is currently berthed in Glasgow where preparation works are on-going by her engineers and loyal band of volunteers. Earlier this week the first section of deck was cut open to enable some large components in the ship’s boiler room, which are already dismantled, to be lifted free.

Donations to the Boiler Refit Appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224 or by texting STEAM £20 TO 70085.

All donations made directly to Waverley Excursions will be recorded on a Donor Wall on board Waverley.