REPAIRS are well underway to bring a brightly coloured but rotting “Rasta boat” back to life.

Moored just off of East Beach, Shoebury, the characteristic little boat has built itself a legendary reputation with residents enamoured by quaint design and the sound of cool mellow Reggae tunes floating across the water.

The boat, painted in the bright colours of the Jamaican Flag, is called "Mumma Dread" and is owned by Tony Madden, often referred to by intrigued locals as “Rasta Pirate”.

However, the boat is in a bad state of disrepair and a community-led fundraising campaign begun in November has raised more than £1,000 return it to ship-shape.

Now the boat has been moved up the beach with a team of volunteers working to make sure it can safely return to the water.

“As thought, the cock pit was rotten to the core, apart from the roof,” fundraiser organiser Damian Wanstall said.

“Progress is going much quicker than expected and Tony is so grateful to Andy, Rob and Arron who are working so hard.

“The hull has also been cleaned and sealed. Red, green and yellow painting should commence tomorrow.

“A massive thanks to everyone who donated and watch this space for further updates.”