A WALLASEY company has stepped in to stop this German WWII U-boat from rusting.

U534 is opposite Valvoline in Dock Road, Wallasey, and is rusting after being raised from the bottom of the sea and brought to the historic warships site.

Valvoline is donating rust-preventing Tectyl to spray on the hull. The protective coating will have no visible effect on the sub, except to enhance the existing rusted look.

U534 was the last U-boat sunk in World War II. It was raised by Danish publisher Karsten Ree at a cost of £3m a couple of years ago and brought to Wirral. The warship Preservation Trust wants to keep the sub as it was raised but was concerned that U534 had started to rust again after being brought out of water.

Ron Crawley of Valvoline said: "We are delighted we can help to preserve this most important relic of the Battle of the Atlantic."

Bob Brotherson of the Warship Preservation Trust said: "We are grateful for this latest gesture of support."

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