WINDERMERE'S oldest working cruiser - MV Tern - has been hauled from the water for a winter makeover.

Tern - built in 1891 and has operated on the lake for more than 120 years - will undergo a thorough overhaul, including the replacement of the hull plates which underpin the body of the boat.

Included on the National Historic Ships Register, the vessel had the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch in 2012 and has an illustrious history as arguably the Lake District’s best-known passenger ‘steamer’ throughout the 20th century.

The work is part of Windermere Lake Cruises’ annual winter maintenance programme, which will also see work on four of the company’s modern launches. Between now and February, Silverholme, Lakeland 2, Cumbria 1 and Cumbria 4 will be rotated out of service for refurbishment work.

The majority of the work will be carried out by full-time staff who spend their summers employed as master, mates and engineers on board Windermere Lake Cruises’ full fleet of sixteen vessels. But with reduced services during the winter, it frees them up to get involved in a completely different side of the business.

John Woodburn, operations director, said: “We’ve got a highly skilled and flexible workforce, and the team really enjoys getting involved in our winter maintenance programme. It’s a complete change of role from the main summer season and the team are particularly proud to be keeping some of the Lake District’s most historic vessels shipshape – not just for next year’s visitors but for generations to come.”

“Of course, we still have the majority of our boats in service throughout the winter. People don’t always realise that we continue sailing every day except Christmas Day, and the winter months are a spectacular time to see the lake and its wildlife.”