A HISTORIC vessel taking part in this Sunday’s celebratory boat parade is offering Merchant Navy members a discount fare.

My Girl, which served in the Second World War, will be dressed in Jubilee flags and colours to take part in Weymouth’s Diamond Jubilee Parade of Boats.

The Royal Dorset Yacht Club-organised event is welcoming all boat owners to join in the festivities.

Local clubs and organisations taking part include the Royal Nati-onal Lifeboat Institution, the Royal Naval Sailing Association, Weymouth Sailing Club, Castle Cove Sailing Club, Weymouth and Portland Cruising Association, Weymouth and Portland rowing clubs, Weymouth and Portland marinas, the Pathfinder Powerboat Club, participants of the RYA Passage to Portland and Sea Cadets.

My Girl is offering people the chance to buy tickets and be part of the historic occasion.

The vessel served in the Second World War from 1939 to 1946 transporting troops, ammunition and stores to the breakwater forts and the Naval Base at Portland.

My Girl safely carried nearly a quarter of a million men by the war’s end. Operating in Weymouth as a pleasure boat since 1947, My Girl has been the subject of television articles and the book Weymouth at War and in 2002 was invited to register with the Historic Fleet of the United Kingdom.

Sarah Overton, manager of Coastline Cruises Limited, said they were offering Merchant Navy members a discounted fare of £3 to join My Girl for the boat parade, compared to the usual ticket price of £5.

The boat will depart Weymouth Harbour 9.30am ready to assemble with all the other boats between Old Pier and Bowleaze at 10.45am.

The lifeboats will lead the parade towards the harbour entrance at 10.55am. Following the sound of gunfire from Nothe Fort at 11am the parade will enter through the harbour entrance and pass up the harbour.

To book a ticket for My Girl call 07749 732428 or visit coastlinecruises.com