An historic fishing boat that was worked by a lifeboat legend is being given a new lease of life by museum volunteers.

But only the front half of Q J and J used by Cromer's Henry Blogg is being saved - as the back section was too rotten.

The bow end however is being rebuilt, ready to go on public display in Blogg's hometown, next to his bust that looks out over the sea where he harvested fish and saved hundreds of lives.

The aft end is being chopped up into souvenir pieces, which will be branded with an HB mark and sold to raise funds for the project.

Work to save the front half is being carried out by volunteers at the Museum of the Broads at Stalham.

Trustee and works director Trevor Bone said the boat was in a 'very sorry state' when it arrived at the end of last year.

The rib cage of 'timbers' were being replaced with green oak, which involved heating and steaming the 8ft lengths of wood to bend them.

The 'very suspect' keel had been strengthened, and softwood planking would be replaced before the boat was given an authentic finish to make it look like it did in Blogg's time.

'There is a lot to do yet - but we like a challenge and it is good to be involved,' he added.

Between 12 and 30 volunteers work working on the boat on Tuesday and Wednesdays led by Ivor Broughton, a qualified boatbuilder, and skilled woodworker Will Cox.

The museum is doing the work for free, and Q J and J rescue group is funding the materials. It has raised about £5,000 so far, and is looking to reach a target of £10,000-15,000.

One of the group Duncan Abel said he was pleased with progress and it was hoped to have the boat back in Cromer for later in the summer. It will be displayed in the garden behind the Blogg bust at North Lodge.

The group was also looking to join the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, as - while the Q J and J was not involved in the cross-Channel convoy in 1940 - it was a tender ferrying evacuated soldiers from bigger ships to shore at Ramsgate.

Are you doing a major restoration project in north Norfolk? Email richard.batson@archant.co.uk