An ornamental ship that was stolen from Maryport has been replaced.

The boat at Glasson roundabout was taken in October, just three days after it was decorated with poppies to honour war dead.

A new decorative boat has now been installed by Allerdale council on Senhouse Street, next to the Original Factory Shop.

Engineering apprentices at Gen2 spent four months designing and building the new ship, which is much larger than the previous one.

It was officially unveiled yesterday at a ceremony attended by veterans.

Maryport town, borough and county councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes organised the project.

She said: "I was undeterred by the theft and decided we needed a bigger one so went to Gen2. They have been brilliant and designed it from start to finish.

"It's a tribute to our veterans. Maryport is a town of veterans and has a rich maritime history so the boat represents that.

"I really feel that people will respect it this time around. It's in a more prominent place so the public and local retailers can see it.

"I hope the people of Maryport will appreciate it."

Coun McCarron-Holmes said the boat would be adorned with flowers over the coming weeks. Come autumn, it will be decorated with poppies, made by Maryport Sea Cadets as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Bill Dixon, of The Duke Of Lancaster's Regimental Association, said: "I think it shows great community spirit that the young people of West Cumbria have rallied round to do this for us veterans and the people of Maryport."

As the ribbon was cut to unveil the new memorial, Coun McCarron Holmes said to veterans: "This is for you."

Following the unveiling, veterans marched down Senhouse Street, led by Royal British Legion Bikers.

Funding for the ornamental ship came from the county council. Gen2 apprentices have set up a crowdfunding page for the cost of upkeep for the boat.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/zoe-hodgson