WHEN listing the features of an historic lightship, a pop-up bar may not spring to mind.

However, Beyond Bar Hire, a Colchester-based mobile bar hire company, is coming aboard a unique venue.

Founded by Simon Duke, Carla Beard and Lee Woods, the company has just announced a new partnership with the TS Colne Light ship.

This long-established part of the Hythe skyline is headquarters for the Colchester Sea Cadets.

The ship has been available for hire for some time but the company hopes to widen the range of functions on offer with a fully stocked bar.

It makes the iconic red ship the perfect - if different - setting for weddings, corporate functions and private parties.

Better still, all revenue raised from the hiring of the venue will be added to the Colchester Sea Cadets funds.

The Gazette’s parent company, Gannett, also recently granted the cadets £5,000 to refurbish the ship, which is used for training the cadets.

The money will help refurbish two cabins to allow overnight stays and use for daytime training and meetings.

Lee Woods, a director of Beyond Bar Hire, said: “As a lifelong Colchester resident I always picture this amazing ship whenever I think of the Hythe area.

“I had no idea the TS Colne Light was available for hire as a venue, so am grateful we here at Beyond Bar Hire can now be a part of that and help inject extra money for the Colchester Sea Cadets.”

Elliot Robertson, the Commanding Officer of Colchester Sea Cadets, said the cadets are excited to be able to add this quirky feature.

He said: “Every time someone hires the ship or attends an event on board, it directly supports the work we do with our young people, helping us to improve the training we can offer in order to give our cadets the best possible head start in life.

“It’s great to welcome Beyond Bar Hire on board as their expertise and professionalism will go a long way to making TS Colne Light the venue for all occasions.”

For more information on how to book the ship as a venue email colnelight.community@outlook.com.

To find out more about the mobile bar email cheers@beyondbarhire.co.uk or visit www.beyondbarhire.co.uk.