A FUNDRAISING appeal to help save a historic warship once based in Rosyth has been launched.

The HMS Bronington Preservation Trust has been set up to explore the possibility of re-floating and restoring the former Royal Navy minesweeper.

The wooden vessel, which dates back to the Cold War era, was commissioned in 1954 and went out of service in 1988. She was commanded by the Prince of Wales in 1976 when attached to the 1st Mine Counter Measures Squadron, which was based at Rosyth.

It now sits abandoned and neglected in Birkenhead where, after sinking at her moorings, it sits on the seabed leaning heavily to one side.

Because of her historical significance, HMS Bronington is registered with National Historic Ships UK – a status awarded to a special sub-group of around 200 elite vessels.

However, this membership will not prevent HMS Bronington from being scrapped.

Campaigner Mike McBride is hoping for support from West Fife because of the ship's "strong links" to Scotland.

"After a refit in Gibraltar Dockyard, she returned to the Forth in 1976 for further service in home waters with the 1st Mine Countermeasures Squadron," he explained.

"Prior to this, in 1963, she was converted to a mine hunter in Rosyth Dockyard, alterations included the fitting of an enclosed bridge, a tripod mast and the latest Type 193 SONAR."

Anyone wanting to help save HMS Bronington can search for the 'Help Restore HMS BRONINGTON Appeal' on gofund.me.