PEOPLE are being given the opportunity of a trip on the Solent while helping to protect the future of a priceless collection of wartime vessels.

Visitors to the British Military Powerboat Trust tomorrow can enjoy a ride on a boat that can be described as a genuine war veteran.

Hundreds of the ST206 craft scoured the North Sea during the Second World War to pluck crashed pilots from the water.

Now a fully restored model owned by the trust is taking to the water again in a bid to raise funds for the charity.

Sister ships owned by the trust need to be rescued themselves or face the possibility of having to leave Hampshire. Trustees have been told they must vacate their current home at the Husband's Shipyard in Marchwood by next September.

But, if a new venue cannot be found the 18 crafts, including two Dunkirk Little Ships, could be dispersed around the UK or moved to a new base hundreds of miles away.

The fun day this weekend is one of the initiatives organised by charity members in a bid to find a new home in Hampshire.

Boat trippers will pay £15 for a 45-minute ride up to Fawley and back, during which the ST206 will travel at speeds of up to 30mph.

Visitors will also be able to view the boats at the trust as well as a special D-Day exhibition of Daily Echo cuttings from the war years.

Operations manager Richard Hellyer advised anyone wishing to enjoy one of the boat trips to book ahead as he expected places on the hourly outings to fill up fast.

Ring the trust on 023 8042 8443.