A community's efforts to refloat and restore a beloved Navy vessel are set to be stepped up as the group seeks new funding for the plans.

The HMS Bronington currently lies, semi-submerged in a dock in Birkenhead, but a village near Whitchurch is seeking to refloat the ship that bears its name.

The recently formed HMS Bronington Trust is appealing for funds needed to raise and preserve the former Royal Navy minesweeper, HMS Bronington.

HMS Bronington was named after the village of Bronington, which is near Whitchurch but lies over the Welsh border in Wrexham County Borough.

She was launched in 1953 and commissioned in 1954 and saw active service during the Cold War within UK waters and on NATO missions. Prince Charles briefly commanded the vessel during his stint in the Royal Navy in 1976.

Currently, the ship remains partially submerged in Birkenhead, having sunk in 2016 and never having been raised since.

Portsmouth-based Mike McBride has been involved in this project for two years and has been building up support. He said there has been support for the campaign from two Hampshire MPs and Prince Charles.

“I’ve got letters of support from Prince Charles and I’ve got support from local MPs Penny Mordaunt and Flick Drummond and from the local paper.” he said.

Mr McBride’s naval service influenced his decision to become involved with this project.

Mr McBride added: “We are doing our best to save this historic warship. I’ve been with this for about two years since I left the MOD. I was in the Navy for 27 years serving on these minehunters, so I’ve got a big interest in wanting to save this one.

“This Help Restore HMS Bronington GoFundMe account is starting to gather some momentum.

"It’s only been going a couple of months and there’s already £2,000. Slowly but surely, we’re getting some money being put away for the project.”

To help save HMS Bronington please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-hms-bronington