Darwin made early discoveries about evolution on HMS Beagle

The people behind the scheme say a private investor is interested in putting �1m behind the scheme to recreate HMS Beagle at Devonport Dockyard.

But there has been no money yet from sources such as the Devonport Regeneration Company, Plymouth City Council, Government Office South West or the Regional Development Agency.

The Devonport Beagle Project is working with these agencies and says they need to deliver to move the scheme further forward.

Traditional skills

The project aims to regenerate one of Devon's most deprived areas.

The plans to build a replica of the ship, on which Charles Darwin sailed into the history books, would bring much-needed jobs to the depressed area.

The initiative would train and employ local people in traditional shipbuilding skills.

The aim is for the ship to eventually become a tourist attraction which would attract investment in Devonport.

After two years at the drawing board, the project is starting to gather pace, with local people and local businesses backing the idea.