A fundraising campaign has been launched to save a historic ship.

Supporters are trying to raise £350,000 towards the cost of refitting the MV Balmoral, which is moored at Bristol harbour.

The vintage ship, which is a member of Britain's officially-recognised National Historic Fleet, has not sailed since last year and without renovation it may never sail again.

The Balmoral was built in 1949 as a ferry for the Southampton Red Funnel steamers and from 1969 to 1980 was flagship of the famous Bristol Channel ''White Funnel Feet'' of pleasure steamers.

The ship was restored 27 years ago and since then has carried more than two million passengers on cruises.

The Balmoral is owned by the Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, the same charity that owns the famous paddle steamer Waverley.

The MV Balmoral Fund Ltd will raise funds for the repairs and set up a new local management base for the ship when it returns to service.

Organisers are asking for local people and visitors to the area to help raise the funds needed to ensure the Balmoral sails again next year.

Nick James, a director of MV Balmoral Fund, said: ''It is vital we raise £350,000 to carry out a major refit in the winter of 2013/14.

''If the refit is not carried out by the summer of 2014, Balmoral will lose her passenger certificates and the 125-year-old tradition of regular summertime day trips and cruises on the waters of North Somerset and Devon will be lost forever.

''It would be a tragic shame for our maritime and cultural heritage and we are calling out to the public to come together to support our cause.

''We've had some wonderful summer weather recently and it is unfortunate the Balmoral was unable to sail.

''I am urging people to get behind the campaign now and help save the Balmoral.

''We desperately need more volunteers to help with fundraising, from simply spreading the word to distributing leaflets and helping organise fundraising events - every little helps and will make a big difference to our cause.''

Every year a team of volunteers assists with essential maintenance work, ranging from cleaning and painting to more complex projects such as engineering works and accommodation refits.

Members of the public can volunteer to help with fundraising activity and maintenance or make a donation by visiting www.mvbalmoral.org.uk.