UPDATE:

Stunning new pictures by digital photographer Jeff Welch and Nub News have shown the famed HMS Ganges mast back to its full glory.

We revealed the spine of the mast had been erected on the parade ground where it has stood for almost 100 years.

Now, we can show you the yard arms and rigging has been added, complete with lightning rod, which Button Boys used to stabilise themselves after getting to the top.

HMS Ganges mast August 2023 (Picture: Derek Davis/Nub News)

Jim Dines, from Malden-based TS Rigging, the man responsible for the renovation, spoke of how pleased he is with the result of his team's meticulous hard work.

He said: "12 years after I first priced this job, the mast at the former HMS Ganges at Shotley is back up.

"All new wooden elements except some pieces of teak from HMS Cordelia from 1881, new standing rigging but using all the original iron work and bottle screws.

"Thanks to all the team at TS Rigging Ltd for all your hard work.

"Thanks to Wavensmere Homes for their commitment to the project."

Iconic landmark can be seen from miles arpund (Picture: Jeff Welch)

*The main part of iconic HMS Ganges mast in Shotley Gate has been restored and was put back up last week.

Finishing touches to the rigging, and the button, are ongoing after three sections of the 143ft mast was completed.

Riggers will be attach the yard arms and spars this week and should be back to its full former glory by August 18.

The restoration of the mast at HMS Ganges, which was built as the Royal Navy Training Establishment in 1905 and used until it closed in 1976, is part of a legal agreement between the developers of the site to build 285 homes.

Phase One is taking shape and while development by Wavensmere Homes and Galliard continues at planned, Maldon-based TS Rigging have been working on the mast in Nelson Hall.