FROM day one it was no ordinary tug, but, as Hilda White officially launched Calshot, she could little have imagined the craft's staying power.

Today, 75 years exactly since the vessel was officially named, Mrs White's granddaughter will echo the same words that sent Calshot on her way. A special anniversary ceremony was being held at Southampton Docks to celebrate the launch of the famed tug, the largest ever built for Red Funnel

Calshot manoeuvred the world's greatest ocean liners and carried world-famous film stars and celebrities during its years in service.

The Tug Tender Calshot Trust, which wants to restore the vessel to her former glory, has invited a host of dignitaries, including Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Fagan to the anniversary event.

Susan Tatton-Brown, Hilda White's granddaughter, will also be on board. She was invited after she contacted the Trust to hand over photographs of the launch.

Mrs White, the wife of a director of Thornycroft & Co, named the boat at the shipbuilding site in Woolston on November 4, 1929.

Mrs Tatton-Brown, from Bishop's Waltham, said: "I had read about the trust in the Daily Echo and thought the pictures were something they would appreciate."

The tug is currently berthed at ABP's Berth 42, while its future is decided.

The trust is in talks with the city council to take on ownership of the vessel, named as one of the UK's 50 most important vessels by the National Historic Ships Committee.

Fears were raised last year that the tug could sink after a survey revealed it was taking in water.