A model Thames sailing barge has been saved from the scrap heap and will feature as part of a new-look museum exhibit.

Northfleet resident Clifford Jarvis inherited the vintage miniature ship more than a decade ago but says he had been unable to find it a new captain.

The 74-year-old, who lives in Turndale Road, was gifted the 4ft-long model barge after a friend passed away.

He had planned to donate it to the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum, off Crown Quay Lane in Sittingbourne , before it burnt down in a suspected arson attack in 2008.

Priceless exhibits including intricate sailing barge models, oil paintings and maps were destroyed.

Mr Jarvis said: "I thought whenever I get rid of it, that is where it has to go."

Since then, he has held on to the barge and now, more than 10 years later – as the museum edges closer to full-time opening after being rebuilt – it has finally found a new home.

The newly-rebuilt museum has moved half a mile up creek and sits next to the recently-restored Raybel Sailing Barge.

Both are only open for special events, which aim to showcase the restoration work and development of the museum.

Chairman of the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum Trust, Clive Reader plans to use the donated sailing barge as part of a new rotating exhibit.

But in the future, the curator wants the venue to be more interactive to appeal to a wider audience.

Mr Reader said: "We are trying to become a visitor attraction for all the family, so the little boy or girl doesn't say 'can we go now, dad'."

The museum continues to welcome donations and is inviting those with items they think might be interesting to feature to get in touch.

Contact Clive on clivedreader@gmail.com or call 07970 873620

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