Deck of Bristol's SS Great Britain being replaced

Brunel's iconic ship was the largest passenger vessel in the world at the time of its launch

The deck of an historic ship is undergoing a complete replacement as part of a major conservation project.

New wooden planks will preserve the deck of the SS Great Britain and the original ironwork underneath.

The work began on 4 December and will be completed in sections so that visitors can still explore the ship, which sits on Bristol's harbourside.

The project is expected to take 32 weeks, and involves 6,050 metres of timber being fitted.

First launched in 1843, the SS Great Britain has been a visitor attraction since its return to Bristol in 1970.

The conservation project is being funded by Arts Council England through the Museum Estate & Development Fund (MEND) to protect the historic vessel.

The new planks for the 98-metre-long ship will be made from accoya wood to provide the the optimum lifespan, with the deck expected to remain in place for at least 50 years.

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the SS Great Britain sailed around the world 32 times, covering more than a million miles at sea after being launched in 1843 - including transporting the first ever England cricket team to tour Australia.

The first plank was lifted during a special ceremony on Wednesday

"As it's been 33 years since the current deck was installed, we're not sure quite what we'll find below," said Mike Day, senior project manager for the SS Great Britain Trust.

"The steel deck beneath the wood provides vital protection of the fragile 180-year-old iron hull and should be in pretty good condition but any necessary repairs to it will be undertaken at the same time," he continued.

"What's more, [visitors] be able to get up close to see the deck works taking place, with opportunities to find out more about real-life conservation in action with special behind-the-scenes glimpses," Mr Day added.

Alongside the vital conservation work, the project will enable wheelchair and step-free access to every area of the ship.