Blaze-hit 'Cutty Sark' will be restored in time for Olympics

THE world's most famous clipper ship, the Cutty Sark, is to be restored in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The 19th century vessel was badly damaged by fire in 2007 after electrical machinery was accidentally left running during restoration work.

The final tranche of a 46m funding package to restore the ship to her former glory was put in place yesterday.

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "Everyone was shocked and saddened as we watched those terrible images of fire on the news.

"People wondered then whether Cutty Sark could ever be brought back to its former glory.

"Well, today's announcement means that the historic clipper – that much-loved part of our maritime heritage since it was installed at Greenwich more than 50 years ago – will once again be open to the public, and in pristine condition, in time for the Olympics; yet another jewel for visitors in 2012 to enjoy."

There were fears that the ship may have been damaged beyond repair after it was engulfed with flames in May 2007 at a dry dock at Greenwich, south-east London.

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Investigators found an industrial vacuum cleaner accidentally left switched on for two days had caused the blaze.

The machine was being used to remove waste from the ship as part of a renovation programme.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Since entering her dry dock in Greenwich in the 50s, the Cutty Sark has been as synonymous with a proud maritime heritage as it has with the borough of Greenwich.

"I am thrilled that the reconstruction and restoration of the world's last surviving tea clipper is progressing with speed since the damaging fire in 2007."

The final 3m tranche of funding will come from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.