THE SS Shieldhall, the largest steamship of her type still operational in Europe, will be celebrating 25 years of navigating The Solent with a special cruise tomorrow.

Originally the ship was built in 1954 and was based in Scotland, where it would transport sewage down the river Clyde to be dumped at sea.

In 1977 she was purchased by Southern Water for the same purpose, and for carrying sludge from Southampton to an area south of the Isle of Wight, from 1980 to 1985.

After being withdrawn in 1985, a charity preservation group, Solent Steam Packet Limited, saved the ship when they raised £20,000 and purchased her three years later.

Since then SS Shieldhall has made its way onto the silver screen and appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies, including Angela’s Ashes, Bright Young Things and Casualty.

To mark its 25 years in preservation under the Solent Steam Packet there will be a five-hour anniversary cruise, which includes food, real ale and live music from the Shieldhall Stompers Jazz Band.

Spokesman Graham Mackenzie said: “We pride ourselves on our hospitality and welcome, and wish to share and mark our silver anniversary with our passengers in style.

“We’re 25 years young and for Shieldhall it is full steam ahead.” The original members who signed up to the Solent Steam Packet group in 1988 will also be on onboard to share their experiences of preserving the historic ship.

The boat leaves at 11am and returns at 4pm from Dock Gate 4 in Southampton.

Tickets cost £40 for adults and £25 for children. Ring 0844 357 2329.