The Waverley was built on the Clyde

After a 10-day spell on the Clyde, the vessel will return to her traditional sailing areas on the South Coast, the Thames and the Bristol Channel for a a number of showcase cruises.

The Waverley was built on the Clyde by A&J Inglis in 1947 for the London North Eastern Railway Company.

She was also owned by Scottish ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne before being sold to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974.

The charity, which paid just �1 for the historic vessel, is one of the organisations which contributed to the cost of the rebuild.

The work was also funded by a number of Scottish councils, European cash and a �2.7m injection from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Work on rebuilding the Waverley started in December last year in Great Yarmouth.

Workers re-install one of the funnels

The restoration includes a new livery, reflecting colours from the time of her construction and new funnels, which are now at the right angle.

Work has also been carried out to bring the vessel up to standards which will comply with future maritime regulations.

Ian McMillan, Waverley Excursions project director, said a complex restoration project of its kind had not been undertaken anywhere in the world for almost 50 years.

And Colin McLean, the Heritage Lottery Fund manager for Scotland, said his organisation had been "delighted" to support the project.

"This historic ship has been returned to its former glory and will once again bring enjoyment both to those who have fond memories of her and to all her future passengers," he said.