THE PENARTH Times has teamed up with the MV Balmoral to offer our readers the chance to win a VIP tour of the ship and luxury meal.

The famous pleasure cruiser, MV Balmoral, named National Historic Flagship 2016, is cruising in the Bristol Channel and calling at Penarth again this summer but more cash is needed to help keep her sailing.

We are asking readers to share their memories of this iconic vessel.

Write in with your stories and memories of the MV Balmoral over the years or on the earlier White Funnel Fleet paddle steamers which once sailed from Penarth and we will publish your letters over the next few months.

And at the end of our MV Balmoral SOS Campaign the winner of the best published letter will receive a VIP tour of the ship at its berth in Bristol City Docks, a lunch or early dinner for two in The Bristol, a luxurious Doyle Collection hotel right on the waterfront and a family day on the channel this summer.

Please send your letters and photographs with your name, address and telephone number to the Penarth Times either by emailing penarthtimes@penarthtimes.co.uk or by post to Penarth Times, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport, NP20 3QN

The MV Balmoral, a sleek yacht-shaped vessel, which can carry up to 700 passengers, was taken out of service in the autumn of 2012 after suffering a series of loss-making summer seasons on the Bristol Channel and around the UK, due almost entirely to miserable weather.

However thanks to the tireless work of a band of volunteers, backed by grants and pledges from ship-lovers and enthusiasts she returned to cruising in 2015 under the banner of a new operating company, White Funnel Ltd.

But following yet another season of weather-related cancellations and unforeseen technical problems, her coffers have just enough cash to keep her sailing.

If you would like to support the ship, please visit: www.mvbalmoral.org.uk for details of how you can make a donation by the Mydonate scheme or via cheques, marked BMSOS on the back, to the treasurer, MV Balmoral Fund Ltd, 23 Adder Hill, Great Boughton, Chester, MCH3 5RA.

Please note that the prize hotel meal does not include beverages and that photographs will not be returned, so only send copies.