ONE OF Hampshire's most historic vessels is flying a prestigious pennant after a ceremony in her home port.

The Southampton-based cruise ship SS Shieldhall is one of two craft to have been awarded regional flagship status by National Historic Ships.

The award recognises the ship’s unique history as well as the role played by her volunteer crew.

Speaking at the presentation of the pennant National Historic Ships director Hannah Cunliffe said: "We are looking for vessels to be our ambassadors and to promote maritime history.

"Shieldhall was chosen because of the efforts made by all the volunteers who keep her maintained and running.

"It is the 30th anniversary of the ship being taken over by the Solent Steam Packet Charity and we wanted to acknowledge that as well."

Shieldhall is part of the National Historic Fleet, which comprises 217 ships which are of national or regional importance, represent an important example of maritime history and are worthy of long-term preservation.

Other members of the fleet prestigious vessels as such as the Mary Rose and the Cutty Sark.

Shieldhall's joint chief engineer, Graham McKenzie, said: "I think it’s a great reflection of the work carried out by the volunteers."

As reported in the Daily Echo, the decision to award the vessel regional flagship status was announced in April.

Speaking at the time a NHS spokesman said the accolade aimed to recognise "her continual and extensive sailing programme, which has seen passenger numbers increase each year".

Shieldhall, which recently underwent a £100,000 refit, is the largest working steamship in Northern Europe.

She was built at Renfrew in 1955 and used by Glasgow Corporation to take treated sludge to dumping grounds near the Firth of Clyde.

She performed a similar task for Southern Water between 1980-1985, transporting sludge from Marchwood, Millbrook and Woolston to an area off the Isle of Wight, before being withdrawn from service because of rising fuel costs.

In 2010 a massive funding shortfall left her in danger of being scrapped but she was saved by a successful fundraising appeal.

For more information about Shieldhall go online and visit ss-shieldhall.co.uk.