THE ever-popular MV Balmoral has returned to her home waters of the Bristol Channel and is making her way to Lydney tomorrow (Thursday).

The much-loved 1949 clas­sic coastal cruising vessel is on her main summer season until September 5. She will be sailing in and out of Lydney next Monday (August 8) and Friday, August 19 to Clevedon, down the channel to Ilfracombe and from Sharpness on August 4 and August 19.

MV Balmoral is an integral and much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage and is based in Bristol’s inner harbour, where she spends her winters. She is Britain’s most travelled excursion vessel but is most at home on the Bristol Channel, being former flagship of the famous Campbell’s White Funnel Fleet.

Laid up at end of 2012 season by her previous owners, Waverley Excursions Ltd, she languished in Bristol Docks missing 2013 and 2014 sailings. With a very uncertain fate awaiting her she was bought for £1 by the MV Balmoral Fund – who have since raised almost half a million pounds by public subscription and Costal Community Fund grants to return her to sailing in 2015.

Spokesman Paul Doubler said: "Balmoral is now owned by a charity and continues the great Bristol Channel tradition of coastal excursion steamers. Helping to boost the local economy and being a great assest to the local tourist industry. It is hoped that the sun shines and that the ship will have a very successful season, giving pleasure to many thousands of locals and holidaymakers alike."

For full details of Balmoral’s timetable and to book tickets visit www.whitefunnel.co.uk or call 0117 325 6200.

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FANCY BEING IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING TICKETS TO JUMP ONBOARD THE FAMOUS MV BALMORAL?

There are two prizes up for grabs:

1st prize winner wins a FAMILY ticket (two adults and two children) to sail on the trip of their choice (or from Lydney or Sharpness)

2nd prize winner receives TWO adult tickets for any trip of winner’s choice.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

HOW MUCH WAS THE BALMORAL BOUGHT FOR BY THE MV BALMORAL FUND?

Answer................................................................

Name...................................................................

Address...............................................................

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Postcode .............................................................

Telephone............................................................

Send your answer to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review, Tindle Suite, Kings Buildings, Hill Street, Lydney,

GL15 5HE by Friday, August 12 2016.

*ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. USUAL REVIEW COMPETITION RULES APPLY.