One of Cumbria’s iconic Ullswater Steamers, that was beached after ripping free of its moorings during the storms and floods, will sail again today.

The MV Lady Wakefield will return to the lake to rejoin its sister ships for an emotional return voyage before starting work proper next week,

Rachel Bell, marketing manager with Ullswater Steamers, said: “This is such a significant day.

“I am absolutely delighted that MV Lady Wakefield has returned to her sister ships where she belongs.

“She plays such an important role in the fleet and has been desperately missed.

“We are looking forward to operating at full capacity once again.”

During the height of Storm Desmond, MV Lady Wakefield snapped three mooring ropes.

The boat was rescued by Patterdale Mountain Rescue members and Steamers’ skippers.

They managed to board and steer the vessel out of danger before the last rope gave way under the strain of the sheer volume of water escaping into the River Eamont.

It spent five months beached on neighbouring farmland and was then lifted to safety by marine salvage agents from Titan & Ardent in Holland.

Vital repairs were then made.

MV Lady Wakefield was built in 1949 in Dartmouth by the River Dart Steamboat Co Ltd.

It worked on the River Dart and the Plymouth Sound before its arrival at Ullswater in 2007, where it was fully restored.