The man behind the restoration of the iconic HMS Ganges mast gives an update on restoring the HMS Ganges mast.

Made up of a steel lower part of mast from HMS Cordelia, and the wooden upper section from HMS Agincourt, the iconic Ganges mast was originally put up when the Royal Navy's training ship moved from the HMS Ganges berthed off Shotley to the Stone Frigate, land-based RNTE.

Jim Dines, of Malden-based TS Rigging explained how the work being carried out in the vast Nelson Hall would continue inside but as the weather improves more will be done out on the parade ground.

In its heyday thousand of boy sailors training at HMS Ganges would climb the mast and its rigging.

On ceremonial divisions, one trainee, known as the Button Boy, would clamber 143ft to the top, stand upright with just a lightning conductor between his legs, and salute before sliding down the rigging and collect a silver coin from the commanding officer.