The world’s oldest surviving lifeboat has made its first journey for 55 years, temporarily leaving its home in Redcar, in the north east of England, to undergo renovations that aim to preserve its structural integrity for generations to come.

The Zetland, which was built in 1802 in South Shields and bought by the people of Redcar, saw 62 years of service, saving more than 500 lives before it was retired in 1864.