The World’s largest active paddle steamer is celebrating its 40th year of service in preservation and it will be sailing from Penarth for three days as part of the event.

Passengers will have the chance to visit Ilfracombe in Devon or Lundy Island between Friday (September 4) and Sunday (September 6). They can even visit Minehead via steam train, cruise the river Severn or the Exmoor coast.

The Waverley has been working under the Waving Steam Navigation Company Ltd. charity since 1975, since being sold for one pound by Caledonian MacBrayne, to connect communities and have a positive economic impact on them. She has been working longer under preservation than it did commercially.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2015 sailings and the captain of the vessel Andy O'Brian said: "We are very much looking forward to bringing Waverley to Penarth and Welcoming passengers aboard in this special year."

"Tickets are already selling fast so make sure you book your place in advance to guarantee place aboard."

There is a restaurant, two bars, heated lounges and a souvenir shop on board.

Tickets start from £23, while children under 18 travel half price and those under five travel free. Visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or call 0845 130 4647 for more information or to book.