North West

Campaigners, including Liverpool Daily Post journalist Peter Elson, are attempting to raise funds for a multi-million refit so that the boat can be used as a tourist attraction.

The Manxman was launched from Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead in 1955 and started life as a ferry between the Isle of Man and Liverpool.

Since then she has been a nightclub in both Preston and Liverpool, and finally rusting in dock at Sunderland.

Campaigners are trying to save the ship and use it as a Merseyside tourist attraction and as one of the main legacies of European Capital of Culture Year in 2008.

The vessel is Europe's last remaining passenger-only cross channel ferry.

The ferry is uniquely designed as the Isle of Man Steam Packet company built her to a 1930s design.

And time is rapidly running out. The campaigners believe they may have only weeks left to save her or she will be scrapped.

Peter Corrin would love to see her back in Liverpool. He was the captain on her last voyage 25 years ago.

Peter feels a special bond for the ship. "They were beautiful and very well  constructed.

"The Manxman was registered to carry 500 more passengers than the QE2. She was the largest passenger carrying ship on the British Register.

Fifty years ago she was Queen of the Irish Sea as she sailed to and from the Isle of Man.

In those days Liverpool’s Pier Head and landing stage was besieged by boats and people, waiting patiently for their adventure to begin.

Campaigners are trying to get support for a multi-million refit so the boat can be used as a tourist attraction.

But those behind the project say they need "big money backers" to step in to help meet the costs.