COASTAL Steamer MV Balmoral is coming back to Penarth Pier in the summer following its return to local waves last year.

Those behind the trips are looking forward to the next season of sailing with the motor vessel, but said that final dates are yet to be fully confirmed.

The steamer returned last year after a three year absence thanks to support from Penarth residents and the town council.

Spokesman for the Balmoral Paul Doubler, described the return as a "miracle" in terms of getting the ship together and sailing.

He said that a lot of people came together to make it happen despite the season starting slowly with the necessary funds only emerging through in March last year

"But it grew and grew and we had some terrific dockings at Penarth with happy passengers," Mr Doubler added.

Poor weather meant that almost a quarter of their scheduled visits were lost last year however, and meant the company only managed to break even.

They need to continue to raise money to get her through maintenance and standards checks.

Mr Doubler: "I am very optimistic and am looking forward to a longer season in 2016."

The provisional timetable would see the season open with a long weekend in the Bristol Channel (including Penarth) at the end of May.

It would then head along the South Coast and up towards the River Thames before heading to the North of England, North Wales and possibly as far as Scotland.

It would return to the Bristol Channel in July for several weeks, and then once more at the end of September to say a final goodbye for the season.

Mr Doubler said Penarth would one of the flagship piers that it visits.

He added: "Running a coastal steamer is never easy and there a few hurdles to overcome but I am still positive about having a successful season."

For provisional sailing times, visit www.whitefunnel.co.uk.