Historical sea-going paddle steamer breaks down

The Waverley is being repaired at Chatham Dockyard

The world's last sea-going paddle steamer has broken down while travelling between Kent and Essex.

The Waverley was heading to Southend from Gravesend on Thursday when a fault was found in the port paddle wheel area.

The cruise was terminated in Southend and its Gravesend passengers were provided onward transport, the team behind the steamer explained.

They added: "We are working to have a repair carried out as soon as possible and expect this to be completed by Saturday, allowing the ship to continue with her Thames sailing programme which operates until Sunday 12 October."

The Waverley, which was restored 50 years ago, has been moved to Chatham Dockyard for repair works to be carried out.

Given the ongoing works and poor weather forecast, the paddle steamer's scheduled sailing for Saturday has been cancelled.