CALSTOCK welcomed a maritime visitor which had not been seen in the area for more than 80 years last weekend.

The miniature paddle steamer Monarch, the smallest commercially operated vessel of its type, paid a flying visit to the River Tamar from her base on the Isle of Wight for a private charter.

However, such was the interest in the little ship that a limited number of public sailings were made during the weekend.

Some of the profits from these mini cruises on the River Tamar are being donated to St Catherine's School on the Isle of Wight, which helps children with speech and language deficiencies from across the country.