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Historic paddle steamers delight onlookers

Dart Harbour The Waverley and Kingsclear Castle paddle steamers on the River DartDart Harbour
The two paddle steamers met just outside the river mouth before cruising up the river together

Two historic paddle steamers cruised up the River Dart in Devon to the delight of fans.

The world's last sea-going paddle steamer, the Waverley, dwarfed the last coal-powered paddle steamer, Kingswear Castle, when they met on Saturday near Dartmouth.

The Waverley, which was launched on the River Clyde in Scotland in 1946, visited the Dart as part of a series of sailings around the south coast.

Kingswear Castle, which operates on the Dart, has been in service for 100 years.

The View from the Dartmouth Office The Waverley and Kingsclear Castle paddle steamers on the River DartThe View from the Dartmouth Office
The Waverley dwarfs the Kingswear Castle as they cruise together

Sandra Davies, a steam-power enthusiast who joined the Waverley for the journey, said it was "great to see the paddle steamers together".

"It was an amazing day," she said.

Dart Harbour The Waverley and Kingsclear Castle paddle steamers on the River DartDart Harbour
The paddle steamers were accompanied by a fleet of smaller vessels

The two paddle steamers met just outside the river mouth, and then cruised in company, accompanied by a fleet of smaller vessels.

Waverley then sailed up river and then came back to tie up in Dartmouth.

A firework display followed in the evening, which was the culmination of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta.

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