A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save the much-loved Grace Darling pirate ship in Hoylake.

On Monday it was revealed that the pirate ship would have to be dismantled unless someone could help maintain and insure it before June 25.

Created by Frank Lund and Major Mace, who also built The Black Pearl in New Brighton, the driftwood ship is now in need of serious maintenance works to replace rotten foundations.

A statement read: "Since being built in 2013 for the Festival of Firsts the Grace Darling has become a much loved feature of the Hoylake promenade.

"Due to its aged timbers it is in much need of a major rebuild, we are also finding it increasingly difficult for logistic reasons to maintain and make adequate safety checks.

"So it was with a heavy piratical heart the decision was made that within the next couple of weeks the Grace Darling will be dismantled."

After hearing the news, Nicole Brooker, who lives in Hoylake, is stepping up to the role of captain after beginning Facebook page 'Save The Grace Darling Pirate Ship'.

Now Nicole is looking for a swashbuckling crew of volunteers to help save the local landmark.

Nicole told the Globe: "Last night I saw that the Black Pearl was having to dismantle the Grace Darling due to lack of upkeep.

"It is a fun addition to Hoylake and I just thought I have to save it so that's when I set up the page.

"It's been there nearly five years so you can imagine the repairs it needs.

"The campaign is all about getting the community together and fundraise to keep the dream of the Grace Darling alive.

"I hope to meet with other people keen to save the ship and eventually set up a rota for people to check on the ship regularly.

"I hope people of Hoylake will get behind this as we will be sorry to see it go.

"I'm meeting with a civil engineer tonight to see what's needed to make the Grace Darling safe then will hold a proper meeting for everyone to attend and discuss what to do.

"It needs new floorboards as the current ones have been rotten away due to being open to the elements and we have already been lucky enough that someone has offered us some palettes.

"If anyone has any driftwood that they could donate, that would be gratefully received."

The Grace Darling is named after a 23-year-old Northumberland lighthouse keeper's daughter who helped save passengers of the SS Forfarshire using a 21ft rowing boat during a storm on September 7 1838.

To get in touch with Nicole or keep up-to-date with saving the Grace Darling please visit https://www.facebook.com/gracedarlinghoylake/