An iconic boat that has sat in Tenby Harbour since the 1960s is in recovery to get ship-shape and back on the shores.

The ‘Doodle’, owned by Paul and Jill Richards, of Castle Square, was lifted out of the resort’s harbour on Monday afternoon, by crane, to be taken to the yard of R. W. David at Saul Junction on the Gloucester Sharpness Canal, for refurbishment, after recently surviving both Storm Ophelia and Brian.

“We very much hope that she will return to her mooring next year,” said Paul, who along with Jill offered once again their wholehearted thanks to Tenby harbourmaster Matthew Broadhurst and assistant Chris Salisbury, and all those involved for their ‘tireless’ efforts in saving the ‘Doodle’ from total destruction.

“We feel so guilty that we had to abandon our helpers and leave Tenby, but we left to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary abroad, with the whole family,” continued Paul

“We have received many communications of good wishes and comments for the future of the ‘Doodle’, a boat which has become an iconic feature in Tenby harbour, since her arrival in 1962, and it is our hope that we shall be able to save her,” he added.