TWENTY years have passed since a historic steamship was saved from being scrapped.

The SS Daniel Adamson, affectionately known as ‘The Danny’, has celebrated 20 years since its remarkable preservation.

Millions of pounds and thousands of hours of volunteer work has gone into restoring the art deco ship to its former glory.

Cathriona Bourke, learning and participation manager for The Danny, said: “This milestone is not just about celebrating the past 20 years, but also about looking forward to the future.

“The Danny represents the spirit of our region’s rich maritime heritage, and we are excited to continue our mission of preserving and sharing this important piece of history with our communities."

The Danny's operations director Andrea Ward, councillors Sam Naylor and Kate Cernik, and Cathriona Bourke, learning and participation manager at The DannyThe Danny's operations director Andrea Ward, councillors Sam Naylor and Kate Cernik, and Cathriona Bourke, learning and participation manager at The Danny (Image: Supplied)

Originally built in 1903 at what is now Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, The Danny was once a vital part of the region’s busy working waterways, towing Mersey and Cheshire barges alongside grand ocean liners in the Edwardian era.

However, by 2004 the steam tug was facing destruction as it sat rusting away in Ellesmere Port.

This prompted the creation of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society.

In 2016, after 12 years and 100,000 hours of volunteer work, The Danny’s team succeeded in getting a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £3.8m to complete the restoration.

The Singing Waiter, Tom Loughlin, performs during the anniversary eventThe Singing Waiter, Tom Loughlin, performs during the anniversary event (Image: Supplied)

On Thursday (September 5), volunteers, supporters and partners were welcomed aboard the vessel at its berth by Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge.

During the anniversary event, Dan Cross from the SS Daniel Adamson Preservation Society expressed his heartfelt thanks to the vessel’s sponsors and supporters, and for the unwavering commitment of the volunteers who have been instrumental in transforming the vessel into a living museum that continues to engage and inspire future generations.

Councillor Kate Cernik, Town Mayor of Northwich and a guest at the anniversary event, said: “The Danny is an amazing and beautiful vessel and a real asset to our local waterways.

“As the Northwich Town Mayor, I look forward to seeing the day when The Danny can be sailed to Northwich to be enjoyed by even more local communities.”