Last-ditch bid to save a Humber legend

And hopes of preserving the Lincoln Castle remain alive – even though work has begun to dismantle the famous Grimsby-based vessel.

Its owners, Colin and Peter Johnson, and the chairman of the Lincoln Castle Preservation Society, Stephen Sharpe, were meeting in a final attempt to retain at least some of the 1940s-built steamer.

This last coal-burning paddle steamer to operate in Britain had been offered to the Paddle Steamers Preservation Society for free which couldn't afford estimated restoration cost of 1.3 million.

Contractors moved onto the site dismantle it, but Mr Sharpe and fellow society members hope to broker a deal with the Johnson brothers.