INTERNATIONAL engineering group ODE extended its support for the Lydia Eva by presenting a cheque for �1,000 to buy coal to fire the boilers of the refurbished steam drifter.

INTERNATIONAL engineering group ODE extended its support for the Lydia Eva by presenting a cheque for �1,000 to buy coal to fire the boilers of the refurbished steam drifter.

The money was handed over by ODE regional director Paul Chilvers to Alan Bagley, chairman of the Lydia Eva and Mincarlo Trust.

Mr Chilvers said the company was delighted to continue its long-term backing for the project to restore the last steam drifter still afloat and to pay for coal which would be used for the first firing of the boilers.

Mr Bagley said that the Trust was happy to accept the donation, especially as it marked a key milestone of engineering and because the support came from ODE, itself a significant engineering company more used to providing design engineering and project management for oil and gas developments and renewable energy developments locally and internationally.

ODE has been based in Great Yarmouth since 1995 and has grown to become a major player in the renewables industry while remaining true to its core business of oil and gas.

Mr Chilvers said: “We are an established Great Yarmouth business, sourcing personnel and equipment local to the Yarmouth and Lowestoft area. That is why it is fitting for ODE to support a local restoration project such as the Lydia Eva, a Yarmouth-based drifter built in Kings Lynn with the engine installed at Crabtrees of Yarmouth (now Richards) a stone's throw from where ODE operate today.”

The Lydia Eva remains on display at her berth near the Town Hall until mid October when she will return to Lowestoft to complete restoration work. She is due to be back at Yarmouth next spring - steaming into her home port.

The picture shows Paul Chilvers, left, handing over the cheque to Alan Bagley.