A FUND-RAISING dinner will help to keep an historic vessel on the water.

The Old Ryder Lifeboat was built in 1902 and served as the Looe Lifeboat until 1930.

In 1987, she was spotted in Weymouth, about to be burned during a beach clean up. She was restored and put on display, and eight years later she was gifted to the Polperro Heritage Museum.

‘Project Ryder’ was begun with the intention of bringing the Ryder back to her original seaworthy condition, and this ambition was realised in 1998.

The Ryder spends her winters at the C Toms and Son Boatyard in Polruan, and in the summer months she is on display in the water next to the Polperro Heritage Museum.

She is the only standard self-righting lifeboat in the country to be displayed afloat - but maintenance costs for the 116 year old craft are high, says the Project Ryder team.

A fund-raising dinner and quiz will be held at the Millpool Centre, Looe on March 10.

To find out more call 01503 272807.