THE world’s last remaining seagoing paddle steamer — Waverley — will make its grand return to the Isle of Wight this summer.

The historic vessel, built to replace the 1899 Waverley, sunk during enemy action at Dunkirk on May 29, 1940, will be returning to the Island and South Coast for a series of excursions between Wednesday, September 4, and Wednesday, September 25.

Waverley, named after Sir Walter Scott’s novels, was launched from the Clyde in October 1946.

After more than 20 years' service, at the end of her working life, Waverley was famously gifted to the Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, a company formed by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, for just £1 in 1974.

Nowadays, after careful restoration, Waverley operates day, afternoon and evening cruises across the south coast and to the Island and is always popular with tourists who enjoy some nostalgia.

From the Island, Waverley will depart from Ryde and Yarmouth.