AN historic West Devon ship has been moved to safety after being damaged by last month's floods.

The Garlandstone has been moved to the slipway from the dock at Morwellham Quay — the first time the ship, which dates back to 1909, has been moved in 20 years.

The floods in December damaged some of the planks in the ship's hull, resulting in her sinking as the flood rose over the decks.

Staff from Morwellham, along with a team of boatbuilders, used supporting beams to keep the boat upright as the tide went out on the dock.

A review of the repair work will now take place before a decision is made on the ship's future.

The Garlandstone was the last wooden merchant sailing vessel to be built in southern England during the early part of the last century.

Made from timber from the Cotehele estate, she took six years to build.

She was capable of carrying about 100 tons of cargo and was used for trade around the South West ports, often carrying coal and salt.