The operator of one of the last remaining ferries on the Norfolk Broads is selling his vessel in the hope that someone will restore the service.

The crossing at Horning has been running for centuries, in various forms, taking people across the River Bure between the village and Woodbastwick Staithe.

Dave Scragg took it on in 2017 and transformed it into a full taxi service, using a converted lifeboat, which he ran on a non-profit basis with a team of volunteers, including his wife Linda.

Eastern Daily Press: Dave Scragg's wife Linda helped him out on the boatDave Scragg's wife Linda helped him out on the boat (Image: Dave Scragg)

He was forced to cease trading in January this year after several volunteers dropped out.

But he is now asking for offers to buy the boat and will sell it at a discounted price to anyone willing to take over running the ferry service.

Eastern Daily Press: The ferry has existed in some form for centuriesThe ferry has existed in some form for centuries (Image: Archant)

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"There's just so much nostalgia in it," he said. 

"It has been absolutely bonkers but fantastic - I look back on it with absolutely sheer joy.

"It became a passion and I had all sorts of mad ideas."

Eastern Daily Press: Other family members, including Linda's daughter Laura, have memories on the ferryOther family members, including Linda's daughter Laura, have memories on the ferry (Image: Dave Scragg)

He recalled some of the wonderful people he had met during his time volunteering there - including a 1960s folk-rock star he bonded with over their love of music - and added he had even started writing books based on his experiences on the boat.

"It inspired me so much being down there," he said.

"I just absolutely loved it and gave so much of myself to it for so long."

Although Mr Scragg feels the community would benefit from the return of the service, he said that the boat would be easy to convert and to add a cabin, if the new owner did not want to use it as a ferry.

"It is a boat that is like a blank canvas," he said.

Anyone interested in purchasing the boat can get in touch with Mr Scragg via the Horning Foot Ferry Facebook page.