The newly-restored SS Robin, the last remaining steam-coaster in the world, will be airlifted by cranes onto a purpose-built floating museum pontoon at Lowestoft on 28 June.

The historic ship will be lifted onto her new floating base in preparation for her return to London, where she will eventually take up her role as an innovative new museum and learning centre for young people.

Built in London in 1890, the SS Robin is a unique piece of maritime history, listed on the National Historic Fleet register and regarded as one of the most important British built ships.

She was brought to Lowestoft in 2008 from her home berth in London to undergo essential conservation work and repairs to her historic riveted structure.

The lift, a technically challenging and delicate operation, marks the penultimate milestone in a two year restoration of the historic vessel.

The operation, at the Commercial Road slipway in Lowestoft, Suffolk, involves two heavy-lift cranes raising the 300-ton vessel off the quayside and onto the floating pontoon, starting around 0900 and taking five hours.