WORK has finally begun on restoring the famous Manxman boat, which was once a nightclub at Preston Docks.

The rusting hulk of the ferry, which left Preston after its owners lost their drinks licence in 1990, has been rusting on the River Wear in Sunderland after several failed restoration plans following stints as a nightclub in Hull and Liverpool.

But she has now been towed to a repair shed, where she will be restored as part of a £2 million plan to take her to Liverpool where she will become a floating museum.

Built in 1955, the Manxman was the final passenger-only turbine steamer built for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and was the last big ship to sail down the River Ribble.

She made regular sailings until being withdrawn from service in 1982. She then found her way to Preston Docks.

Orginally, she was going to be restored in Sunderland but in 1999 began sinking into the river, prompting fears of pollution. A dramatic four day salvage operation took place.

Restoration plans were scrapped, but then the Manxman Steamship Company stepped in, pledging £200,000 to buy her and take her back to Liverpool, her home port.

A spokesman for the Manxman Steamship Company said: "It's very emotional to see this." The group is hoping the ship will be ready to sail back to Liverpool next summer.