Lady Florence a familiar sight on Alde and Ore in Suffolk

Now the pleasure cruiser, which was originally commissioned to serve during the Second World War, is celebrating her 80th birthday.

The boat is also home to the award-winning Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant, which has received positive reviews online for the standard of food and drink and the general experience of cruising along the river.

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The Lady Florence is now run by Craig Ambury and his partner Kris, pictured with a Good Food award the business received in 2020 (Image: river cruise restaurants) Originally, Lady Florence was built as a supply vessel to serve the needs of the British Navy during the war.

She was one of more than a thousand Motor Fishing Vessels (MFVs) commissioned during the war with the purpose of transporting essential supplies to battleships stationed off the south coast.

However, the war ended as she was completing sea trials, sparing her from the horrors of battle and she was instead taken over by private owners who recognised her potential uses beyond wartime duties.

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She was used initially for sea cadet training before transitioning to a registered British ship named Margaret Jane and then becoming Lady Florence in 1983, at which point she embarked on a new life as a restaurant river cruiser.

Lady Florence in her younger days before becoming a river cruise restaurant (Image: Submitted) Initially, the business was run by Geoffrey Ingram Smith and his wife Sue Money who offered a four-hour cruise featuring local specialities, including honey-baked ham and smoked trout from Orford.

Subsequently, John and Sue Haresnape took over the running and made innovative changes, such as introducing breakfast, lunch, supper and even dinner cruises.

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The vessel has remained in the family's hands, with their children becoming involved and now the current owners are Craig Ambury and his partner Kris.

The family also operates another former Second World War vessel, the Allen Gardiner, on the River Orwell.

Mr Ambury said: "Today, as Lady Florence turns 80, she stands as a living testament to the resilience of wooden ships and the enduring allure of river cruising.

"Her elegant silhouette and storied past continue to captivate passengers from near and far, offering them a glimpse into a bygone era while creating new memories to cherish."

A special celebration for her 80th birthday was held at Orford Quay on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Suffolk news