THE charity leading the restoration of the paddle steamer Maid of the Loch has launched an appeal for volunteer tour guides to show visitors around the ship and bring her fascinating story to life.

If you like nothing more than telling a good tale, and you think you've got what it takes to keep people interested, then why not head along to a special volunteer event at the ship next month?

If you like meeting new people and can help encourage others to support the ship's journey back to full steam, then make a note in your diary to head along to the Maid at Balloch pier on Saturday, March 4 at 11am to find out how you can help this historic ship.

Anne Urquhart, director of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, said: "We also have lots of other volunteer opportunities available ranging from workshop to back office admin, archiving, event support and more, so if you'd like to learn new skills and make a difference to the local community then please come along.

"Training will be provided for successful volunteers and we hope to have our team all set to go for the beginning of April so don't delay.

"Bring some pals – the more the merrier!"

Check out the Volunteer page at www.maidoftheloch.org for more information or send a private message via the 'Maid of the Loch' Facebook page.

You can also get in touch by emailing mail@maidoftheloch.org, phone 01389 711865 or just come along on Saturday, March 4.

The Maid's volunteers are currently aiming to raise £1.7 million by this autumn in the hope of seeing the historic vessel - the last paddle steamer to be built in Britain - cruising the waters of Loch Lomond in 2018, 37 years after she last sailed.