A historic Windermere pleasure craft is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The Queen of the Lake has been a permanent resident on England's longest lake since it was built in 1949.

The only time it ever left its Lake District home was to participate in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant for the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.

Alex Williamson, Windermere’s “boat doctor”, said: "The Queen of the Lake is one of my favourites.

“I’ve always loved the traditional wooden launches and its great to know she is still in pristine condition and giving such pleasure to passengers at such a venerable age.”

(Image: Cumbria Tourism)

He oversaw the operation to transport the vessel to London.

Mr Williamson said: "To be part of history and one of 670 vessels involved in that flotilla is something I will never forget.

"It was a once in a lifetime event and I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck sticking up now just thinking about it.

“Getting her out of the water, transported down south and then on to the river Thames was a real honour.”

Two years before the Jubilee, King Charles III sailed on her during one of his Royal visits to Windermere.

(Image: Cumbria Tourism)

The Queen of the Lake was created by Watercraft of Molesey in 1949 and owned by the Ambleside Motor Launch Company, licensed to carry 84 people.

She has been seen on television more than any other boat in the Windermere Lake Cruises fleet, including the famous steamers.

Jennifer Cormack, sales and marketing director at Windermere Lake Cruises, said: “While Queen of the Lake is one of our smaller boats, she’s certainly no-less iconic than any of our larger ‘steamers’.

“She’s very much a highlight of Windermere Lake Cruises’ history and has certainly seen more than her fair share of adventures.”