BRING her home to Deeside!

That is the call as an historic tall ship built in the region prepares for a sentimental return.

The Kathleen And May, featured in the 1970s hit TV series The Onedin Line, is due to visit Liverpool next spring.

Now Roy Norry, webmaster of northwaleslinks.co.uk, is calling for the ship to come home to Connah’s Quay to teach young people about the town’s historic maritime importance.

The ship, Britain’s last three-masted topsail schooner, was built in the Flintshire town in 1900 for Captain John Coppack to use for cargo trading.

During its stay in Liverpool’s Canning Dock next March, it will be sailing along the North Wales coast as it takes passengers on a series of overnight and day-long trips.

Roy said: “If the Kathleen And May is going to be sailing regularly in the area we should look at the possibility of bringing her back to the Connah’s Quay dock for old times’ sake.

“The ship was a key part of the history around the docks.

“I don’t think most of the kids in the area have the faintest idea about the importance of Connah’s Quay.

“Returning the ship would be a great way to bring it back into focus.”

The Connah’s Quay resident hopes that returning the ship to the town will boost the redevelopment work carried out locally in recent years and attract new members to the town’s community groups.

He said: “Dock Road has been redeveloped and the Connah’s Quay festival came to the docks last year.

“If people are reminded of the area’s maritime history it would be good for the town’s sea cadets in terms of membership.”

The ship is currently owned by Steve and Marilyn Clarke, from Bideford in Devon, who restored it to its former glory after finding it derelict in 1998.

-  Would you like to see the ship returned to Connah’s Quay? Have your say by leaving a comment below.