The Cutty Sark is the world's oldest surviving tea clipper

The 137-year-old, 900-tonne ship will be lifted nearly 10ft out of its dry dock in Greenwich, south-east London.

This will allow visitors to walk beneath the hull where there will be catering and educational facilities.

In 2004, conservationists warned the Cutty Sark's iron frame was eroding so fast that the ship could be closed to the public within three years.

Half of the funding for the �25m project has been guaranteed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"It will become much more of a landmark and you will be able to see it for miles around," said Anna Somerset from the trust.

"The ship will look like it is on a glittering sea and visitors will be able to walk underneath."

Most of the ship will be closed to the public from 5 November for work to begin - involving mechanical cleaning and applying preventative coatings.