The restored tug Challenge arrived at Gravesend last week - and when it couldn’t fit in St Katharine Docks went home again.

She was originally expected to stay for three days, taking part in the St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival which coincides with the Lord Mayors Thames Festival.

However, difficulties mooring at the dock, during which it crashed into a bridge - see video below - meant the crew turned around and went home to Southampton.

It would have also been inaccessible to the public during its stay.

It was almost 20 years ago when the tug was acquired by the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust which aims to restore vessels that took part in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

It was 40 years ago that Challenge was retired from duties on the Thames.

With the help of the Heritage Fund and a band of loyal supporters and helpers, the tug underwent a long spell in Shoreham dry dock where a new boiler was installed and her main engine was rebuilt.

A spokesman said: “Unfortunately, we could not get Challenge into St Katharine Dock due to lack of space, and where she was berthed, there was no public access.

"With a weather front approaching, it was decided to head off back to Southampton before the front arrives. We apologise for any disappointment.”