A historic Norfolk wherry has sailed into the record books after receiving an award in recognition of a dedicated army of volunteers who help maintain and preserve the vessel.

A historic Norfolk wherry has sailed into the record books after receiving an award in recognition of a dedicated army of volunteers who help maintain and preserve the vessel.

The black-sailed wherry Albion, based at Ludham, has been named as the first ever runner-up in the National Historic Ships' flagship of the year award.

In previous years, there has only been one prize handed out at the National Historic Ships award ceremony but judges were so impressed by the volunteers' work in keeping the 112-year-old Albion afloat that they decided to create a runner- up prize of �250.

Volunteers from the Norfolk Wherry Trust gathered on the Albion last Thursday to receive their award.

Among the people who watched Paula Palmer, of National Historic Ships, hand over the award was Jayne Tracey, whose father James Forsythe was instrumental in saving the Albion from being consigned to history in 1949.

She said: “My father would have been very proud had he been alive to be here today. This award is recognition of a fantastic achievement by a dedicated group of volunteers who have kept this grand old lady in fine condition for the last 60 years.”

The 60ft wherry Albion was built in 1898 and was part of an original fleet of more than 30 trading vessels.