'This boat has had 100 years of adventures'

An event is being held to mark the centenary of a vessel used to evacuate women and children from Hull during German bombing raids in World War Two.

Spider T, which was primarily used to transport goods, was launched from the Warren Shipyard in New Holland, on the south bank of the Humber, in 1926.

Owner Mal Nicholson, who restored the boat, said it was an opportunity for people to share their stories and to talk to maritime experts about the vessel's "many, many adventures".

The event, which is being held in Hull Marina between 11:00 and 16:00 BST on Saturday, also features the Hornsea Shanty Lasses.

During the war, Nicholson said Spider T was used to take evacuees from Hull to North Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire.

He said he had previously heard from some of the evacuees who had shared their experiences, but was keen for others to attend the event, if possible, to help "complete the story".

About 1,200 people were killed during German bombing raids on Hull between 1940 and 1945, with 3,000 injured and more than 150,000 made homeless.

As well as the vessel's role during the war, Nicholson said the boat was very versatile.

"If there was a bob to be earned anywhere, Spider T could certainly fill the bill," he said.

Spider T, which was "full of water, and was about to be cut up for baked bean tins and razor blades" when Nicholson acquired her in 1997, has also taken part in numerous events since being restored, including the late Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

"She has done so many things - we all think the world of her," Nicholson added.

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