Porthleven's boat-building heritage will be remembered on Saturday when one of the former vessels built at the port returns to its origin.

The Provider, an Oliver built crabber measuring 33ft x 11ft, was first launched in April 1955. She was one of an estimated 1,600 or more vessels to be built in various yards situated around what is now the Harbour Head and on the site where the new Monterey Flats are currently being constructed.

The 1,600 estimated 28 large trawlers built for Lowestoft and several vessels for the Hudson Bay Co. One story associated with the latter company, tells how one of the craft built at Porthleven broke loose from its moorings and disappeared, presumed lost, only to reappear a couple of years later undamaged and still seaworthy. The result proved testament to the skills of the Porthleven shipwrights of the day.

The Porthleven Development Trust is now determined that such important part of the village's heritage should be remembered and to mark the occasion are mounting a campaign to restore Provider.

She was found in the Dauntless Boatyard on Canvey Island in Essex, on the east coast of the Thames, where she was due to be broken up following her retirement from fishing in 2006. Now in a poor state of repair, she will need an extensive refit and the Trust hopes to obtain funds from the Heritage Trust to bring this about.

However, the people behind the project have stressed the importance of local support behind the project, as it is intended that once work is complete Provider will be available to be used by local organisations under properly supervised conditions.

She is returning to Porthleven at midday and the Trust hope that a large number of people will be there to welcome her home.

Those involved in the project will be on hand to answer questions and give details of the plans for the Provider once the restorations are complete. There will also be an opportunity for people to sign up as a "friend" of the Trust and show their interest in becoming involved in the project.