A HISTORIC Barrow lifeboat takes to the air in dramatic move

The Dock Museum’s lifeboat, Herbert Leigh, is has been moved from the front of the museum to undergo extensive restoration.

The 23 ton lifeboat was slowly craned onto a lorry before being carried behind the museum.

The team at the museum are planning on restoring the boat.

Herbert Leigh was the longest serving lifeboat at the Barrow RNLI station from 1951 – 1982.

She was donated to the RNLI in 1951 by Herbert Leigh.

In 30 years of service she was launched 136 times and saved 71 lives.

She was donated to The Dock Museum at Barrow in 1990 and first underwent conservation work in 2006.

A £120,000 grant, awarded by WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, will be used to conserve the lifeboat Herbert Leigh, landscape the museum site to enhance the view of Walney Channel and install a walkway from the car park to the museum.

Sabine Skae, Collections and Exhibitions Manager at The Dock Museum said: "This lifeboat is the first object that most visitors see on coming to the Dock Museum.

"She has been suffering from the weather in the last few years and by getting her under cover she will dry out which will allow conservation take place.

"The work will include sanding and repairs to the wood, galvanising the metal and a lot of repainting.

"We want to get her back to looking the way she did in her prime.

"The restoration should be done by September.

"Being able to restore the boat is really special to us.

"We want to look after the heritage of the area and the objects that represent that."

WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for projects from funds donated by FCC Environment.

Kristian Dales, Regional Director for FCC Environment said, “We are delighted to support the Dock Museum.

“The restoration of the Herbert Leigh lifeboat is exciting, and we look forward to seeing this cherished vessel restored to its former glory."