A historic barge which is anchored in Essex will come to the screens in a new TV feature. 

The Cambria, a wooden Thames sailing barge, which was built in 1906 at Greenhithe, Kent, found a new home at the Blackwater Marina in Maylandsea. 

The vessel is famed as the last British registered vessel to carry commercial cargo under sail alone and a unique part of the industrial and maritime heritage. 

After a four-year restoration process, which cost £1.6million, the Cambria is now sailing again in Thames barge matches and has become a sail training and educational haven. 

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Vessel - The historic Cambria will be included in a special TV featureVessel - The historic Cambria will be included in a special TV feature (Image: Cambria Trust)

Ian Wilson, trustee at the Cambria Trust, said: “We had a visit by Michael Portillo and the feature will be on ITV on Friday, at 6pm. 

“It is great to get the word out. We organise sailing experiences for young and disadvantaged people, schools and corporate groups and try to preserve this amazing ship. 

“We are also looking for volunteers and are hoping to see more people involved with the Cambria. 

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Training - The Cambria has become an space of education and sail trainingTraining - The Cambria has become an space of education and sail training (Image: Cambria Trust)

“Covid has, unfortunately, lost us some of the volunteers and the progress we made, but we are getting back there.” 

Anyone interested in chartering the Cambria can contact Blackwater Marina on 01621 74026.