AN OLD ferry previously used for mail, school and shopping runs between the Isles of Scilly goes in the water this week in time for Falmouth's park and float.

The Black Swan, which used to be known as Coronation Bell, is one of three ferries recently bought by Cornwall Ferries for the scheme. And having spent the last four weeks being restored at Cockwell's Modern and Classic Building in Penryn, the 47 foot classic boat is now ready to carry nearly 80 people per trip to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

The ferry was bought from Hicks & Sons on St Mary's and according to Mike Hick, was originally built in 1944 as a naval harbour service launch.

He said: "We bought her in 1986 to use in the summer for visitor excursions between the islands. We also had a winter licence which meant we could use her to bring shoppers from the smaller islands onto St Mary's for supplies and bring the children from the other islands to St Marys on a Monday for school, then take them home on a Friday.

"She was also used in difficult tides to bring freight to the islands when the Lionesse couldn't reach us," Mike explained.

Since Cornwall Ferries purchased the Black Swan four weeks ago, a large amount of restoration work has been carried out by Dave Cockwell and his staff (pictured) including the installation of new electrics, fuel tanks and reconditioned engines, recorking of the garboards and a re-paint in the park and float corporate colours.

And until the Black Swan is needed on the park and float scheme at the beginning of June, she will be used to take holiday-makers on cruises from The Quay in St Mawes.