The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer called at Shoreham for the first time this morning.

Hundreds boarded the ship as it sailed toward Selsey Bill then on to Ryde for a stop off at the Isle of Wight.

Crowds also gathered on land to catch a glimpse of the historic ship, built in 1946 to replace a steamer of the same name which was sunk while evacuating troops from Dunkirk during the Second World War.

One bystander told The Argus: “I think it’s so lovely to see such a unique vessel come into Shoreham Port.

READ MORE: Map shows best places to see PS Waverley from Sussex and tour route

“Such a broad spectrum of people turned out to see her, showing there is still such a great interest in older ships.

“I was amazed at how fast she was given her age.”

PS Waverley was bought by its current owners for £1 in 1973 and began operating as an excursion ship after being restored.