IT WAS "all aboard" the historic Humber Sloop Spider T at the weekend, when more than 100 people descended on Keadby to discover its decks.

The 18.79-metre-long vessel, which is capable of carrying 70 tons, has been lovingly restored over more than a decade by its owner Mal Nicholson, of Trentside Classic and Sports Cars at Burringham.

And, over the weekend, members of the public had the opportunity to see for themselves the quality of the refurbishment.

Mr Nicholson, who is also the skipper of the Spider T, was delighted with the turnout.

He said: "It was packed on Saturday, we had more than 100 people across and The Yorkshire Ship

Enthusiasts brought a busload."

Explaining how the open day came about, Mr Nicholson said: "I was approached by North Lincolnshire Council and asked if I would like to take part in the Visit Lincolnshire campaign."

Spider T, which was built in 1926, was originally designed as a cargo boat. But the interior has now been lovingly equipped with period fittings, including a bathroom and a stunning kitchen area in part of the former hold.

Steel inspector Dave Ingledew, 64, of Scunthorpe, was full of praise for the quality of the refurbishment.

He said: "I think it's brilliant. I'm well impressed – impressed with the effort he has put into something like this. And the best thing is you can come and look. It's not being kept to himself."

Mr Ingledew said: "I'm a structural steel inspector at Corus and I can't find anything wrong in the workmanship. It's absolutely lovely."

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