An engineer who is building a replica galleon, using recycled materials, hopes it will set sail next year.

Visitors to Queenborough may have spotted Lee Rough’s 42ft ship moored next to the Old House at Home pub.

He has been working on it for the last nine years and is aiming to take on its maiden voyage by the spring.

We reported last October on the 42-year-old’s labour of love. Since then he has fitted out the cabin and the interior and he is now working on the sails and decking.

After that the replica of the Golden Hind will need to go through safety tests before it can be deemed seaworthy.

The launch will mark a change in careers for the self-employed welder, who intends to turn the ship into a floating recording studio.

Mr Rough is also an acoustic singer and songwriter and performs at open microphone nights across Sheppey and Kent.

He intends to travel around the country inviting musicians on board to produce songs with him.

The father-of-two is putting together an album at the moment, which may include a few sea shanties, to coincide with the launch of the ship.

He plans to retire from engineering due to severe pains in his elbows through years of labouring.

The Lady Brenda, which is named after its builder’s mother, is built out of bits of metal and wood salvaged from skips, although some steel plate was purchased for the hull.

A 130hp diesel engine was taken from a lorry and converted to function in the water.

Mr Rough said: “I am very pleased with what I have achieved. It’s quite a green boat. I’m a friend of the earth. It has taken a considerable amount of time because it is a hobby and work comes first.”