THE Faithful City's famous fund-raising ferry is afloat again on The River Severn after coming out of hibernation.

The Cathedral Ferry celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, but recorded history of the Watergate Ferry dates back to the 1300s when it was established to take monks, milkmaids and herdsman across the river.

Nowadays the boat, which can seat up to 12, shuttles passengers across the river.

On Saturday, the ferry, named Doris after the city's Doris Kinnersley, who was famed for charity work, was taken through the city streets from its winter storage home at Shrub Hill.

Weather permitting, the rowing boat will be in operation at weekends and Bank Holiday afternoons from April to early September.

The ferry operates from the Cathedral Watergate on the east side of the river to the west bank footpaths and Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

"It is the only boat run by volunteers on British Waterways controlled water," said ferry organiser Mark Glossop.

Proceeds from the 25p fare are donated to local charities.

More about the history of the ferry will be revealed in Mike Grundy's Memory Lane column in the Evening News on Saturday.