'Last oyster boat' sailing again

Terror was built in a boatyard in Emsworth in about 1890

The last surviving oyster boat to work out of a Hampshire harbour has taken to the waters after years of restoration.

The remains of Terror, originally built in the 19th Century, were found lying in a greenhouse near Emsworth in 2003.

After a two-year restoration project, partly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Victorian boat set sail from Dolphin Quay boatyard on Wednesday.

From 2007, Terror will take passengers around the harbour as part of the Emsworth Maritime Heritage Trail.

The boat was restored at Dolphin Quay boatyard, just yards away from where it was originally built at Foster's boatyard more than 100 years ago.

Terror was once part of a large fleet of similar vessels that transported oysters around Chichester Harbour.

Terror was originally used to convey oysters around the harbour

However that industry went into decline after several people - including the then Dean of Winchester - died from food poisoning after eating oysters from Emsworth at a banquet in 1904.

The restoration programme, which has cost about £100,000, was run by Chichester Harbour Conservancy in conjunction with the Emsworth Maritime and Historical Trust.

Tim Gilmore, owner of Dolphin Quay boatyard, said: "We were very pleased to have such a big project for the yard, and to be putting part of Emsworth's history back together again."

Sam Poore, an apprentice shipwright, worked on the project from start to finish.

He said: "It's definitely been a bit of an experience. I've never been interested in history before, but as soon as this thing came along, it changes your life."

An official launch of Terror and a rededication ceremony will take place on Friday at the Emsworth Food Festival.