An historic Thames barge is expected to return to Maldon later today for a total rebuild.

The 102-year-old sailing barge Dawn is being brought back on the spring tide and is expected to arrive at Sadds Wharf, Fullbridge, at about 5pm.

The vessel is currently in a derelict state and has been placed on a special converted coaster, ready to be towed from a shipyard in Kent.

The 54-tonne barge was built at Maldon's Walter Cook and Arthur Woodard's Bath Wall yard in 1897 and was used as a cargo vessel carrying hay and straw when Maldon was a busy port.

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