TRUSTEES for the iconic pleasure steamer MV Balmoral are appealing to the public for funds to keep her in service, following a ‘dismal’ summer.

Funds trustee, Paul Doubler said: “This summer, when she travelled far and wide around the UK, the ship lost 25 per cent of her scheduled sailings due to bad weather. Combined with some atypical technical problems, it has left us with a massive £350,000 to £500,000 shortfall, which we need to find before next season, if indeed there is to be a next season.

“We are appealing to everyone who loves and values the sleek motor yacht-shaped vessel, or who has ever sailed on her in the past to answer our emergency appeal.”

Balmoral’s financial troubles come as a bitter blow to local supporters, who managed against all the odds to save her and to the small dedicated band of volunteers who refused to give up on the ship.

Paul added: “While it is a huge sum of money all is not as bad as it initially appears. A large legacy and early fundraising success mean that almost a third of our target has been achieved, so that gives us much confidence that we can be successful.”

If you would like to help save Balmoral, donations can be made to the registered charity through mydonate.bt.com or via cheques to the treasurer, MV Balmoral Fund Ltd, 23 Adder Hill, Great Boughton, Chester, CH3 5RA.