A captain and his crew have endured perilous storms and unexploded bombs to complete a month-long voyage to the Scottish port of Arbroath and back.

Humber super sloop Spider T has just completed the 700-mile round trip from Keadby.

The 85-year-old vessel had sailed up the UK coastline to represent the heritage body National Historic Ships and North Lincolnshire at the Arbroath Sea Fest.

It was an eventful trip, and with the Spider T safely moored at Keadby lock, the skipper of the vessel has told of his experiences.

Mal Nicholson, owner and captain of Spider T, said: “We got back at 8.30pm on Monday and penned into the lock at Keadby with a welcome reception.

“We went through some terrible storms.

“On Saturday we got storm force eight conditions, which was unbelievable.

“Imagine being out on the North Sea in that with an old girl like the Spider T. She never missed a beat though.

“On another day we sailed over an unexploded bomb.

“The bomb disposal squad were out looking for it with the coastguard, as it had broken free in the severe weather.

“It was an eventful trip.”

The historic Humber ship set out on its voyage on July 30.

As well as appearing at the Arbroath Sea Fest, the crew saw some unusual sights, including bumping into Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Harry Potter actor Timothy Spall who was on his own vessel.

But the crew said the best thing about the voyage was making full use of the Spider T out on the open seas.

Mr Nicholson said: “I don’t think the people in northern Lincolnshire realise the value of what we have in Spider T. “She has become a national treasure.

“When you see hardened mariners with a lifetime of experience at sea and the way she is treated, it is very rewarding and it makes it all worthwhile.”

The crew posted regular updates to their website – www.keelsandsloops.org.uk – throughout the voyage.

And they have cultivated a healthy following of readers.

“We were averaging 6,000 to 8,000 unique visitors a month during the voyage,” said Mr Nicholson. “But we’re hoping to get 100,000 now the boat is back.

“It just shows the interest we’ve created.”

Seasoned seafarers said the 700-mile adventure in the North Sea was special, even though they had extensive experience at the wheels of ships.

John Barwell, of Moorends in Thorne in South Yorkshire, was a member of the crew.

He has worked as a shipwright at Stanilands yard, Thorne, for 13 years and spent 30 years with British Waterways.

He said: “It has been very enjoyable.”