A SYMBOL of medieval trade in Southampton is to be given a new lease of life.

A replica of the wooden cargo ship in Western Esplanade will be fully refurbished by a team of youngsters.

Students and apprentices from Southampton City College’s Marine Skills Centre will be involved in restoring the replica of a 14th century cargo ship.

Ships like this one set sail from the city for the Mediterranean carrying wool - England’s main export at the time - and returning with, wine, oil, fruits and spices from Southern Europe and the Middle East.

The replica at Western Esplanade was constructed 20 years ago by Alex Ward, the former manager of the Marine Skills Centre in partnership with the Southampton City Council, British Marine Federation and the University of Southampton.

The boat is made of English oak and was completed with the support of the marine department at the University of Southampton.

Mr Ward, now 79, who carried out some repairs to the ship a decade ago, said: “The boat is a symbol of the type of vessels that Sotonians were operating on in medieval time and it is an important part of the history of Southampton.

“It’s an iconic symbol of Southampton and its past and it’s very important to look after it.

"I am very happy that students will refurbish it now and its very good for young generations to get involved in this sort of activities.”

A group of Level 3 boat building advanced apprentices and Level 2 students and apprentices form the Marine Skills Centre will work on the restoration over the next four months.

Darren Patten, expert boat builder and learning manager at the college, will supervise the work.

He said: “Southampton’s maritime past is integral to the history and development of this city and at our Marine Skills Centre we strive to keep alive traditional skills, as displayed in the construction of this ship, and also to accommodate the demands of today’s technological marine industry.

“The training of young people in the marine industry is essential to the future prosperity of the region. As such this is an opportunity for us to showcase the skills of our students and contribute to the experience of people visiting the City”

Once again the project is being run in partnership with the Southampton City Council.

Council leader Simon Letts said: “This is an excellent way to involve our young people in the community, giving them an opportunity to contribute to a high profile public project.

“We place great importance on protecting and promoting our heritage, and it’s great to see businesses and students coming together to help us create an attractive environment for visitors and residents.”

The project will also be part funded by Hammerson, which owns and manages Westquay.

Students carried out a survey of the ship last week and will start their work next month, aiming to finish by the end of May.