THE charity behind the restoration of a boat which helped rescue soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk has launched a major funding appeal.

The Vanguard Restoration Foundation hopes to restore the old oyster dredger by securing the vital £500,000 needed to have it rebuilt.

This year is the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the group hopes the boat, residing in Burnham, will get a fresh boost of Dunkirk spirit.

The aim is to get her ready for a return to Dunkirk in June 2025 for celebrations marking the 85th anniversary.

Foundation spokesman Nick Skeens said: “Teaming up with Lowestoft’s International Boatbuilding Training College means we will now be able to restore Vanguard to the condition she was in when she joined two other boats from Burnham to rescue soldiers from the Dunkirk beaches. We are appealing to the public to help us secure the necessary money.”

The project cost includes scholarships so people of all ages can learn shipwright skills and take part in her restoration.

Burnham boats Vanguard, Sea Salter and Ma Joie took 600 soldiers to safety from Dunkirk.

In May 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered private boats to go to France to rescue the stranded British army in a mission codenamed Operation Dynamo.

The boats taking part became known as the Dunkirk Little Ships.

With her crew of fishermen, Vanguard was among the first to answer the call, sailing on May 30 alongside Sea Salter, a larger oyster dredger, and the yacht Ma Joie.

Vanguard is the only survivor of the three, with the Ma Joie not returning and the Sea Salter being broken up.

Decades later, Vanguard was sold and abandoned on Canvey Island. Vandals set her alight twice, others ripped her planks away for firewood and she was left to rot.

She was rescued by a group of enthusiasts who brought her home to Burnham.

For details, visit justgiving.com/campaign/savethelittleship.