The future of Southampton's historic ship, SS Shieldhall, which was in danger of being scrapped, has been safeguarded thanks to a handful of enthusiasts and the generosity of the public.

Last year, Shieldhall was facing the breaker's yard, with a massive shortfall in funding, but an emergency appeal for £80,000, launched in January, means the heritage vessel may now get the go ahead to sail for another two years.

Captain Peter Roberts, master of SS Shieldhall, said: "Ninety percent of the money raised has come from private donations, which means that we have an awful lot of people to thank!

"Without such generosity, there's no doubt that we would have had to scrap this lovely old steamship and we owe our supporters a great deal."