Cumbrian MP Tim Farron and local Lib Dem councillor Suzanne Pender visited the Ruskin Museum in Coniston to support the campaign to bring the Bluebird back to the Lake District.

Donald Campbell’s record-breaking boat was gifted to the museum by the Campbell family in 2006, but is currently being kept in the North East by engineers.

Speaking after the visit, Tim said: “It was great to meet the team who are working so hard to get Bluebird back in Coniston and indeed back on Coniston.

“The Ruskin Museum was backed with public money on the basis that Bluebird’s home would be here.

“For the sake of Donald Campbell’s memory, his family, the legend of Bluebird and for the community of Coniston, it is so vital that Bluebird comes home.”

Jeff Carroll Vice Chair of the Ruskin Museum said: “Bluebird K7 is an important part of the history of Coniston, indeed the United Kingdom, and getting her back to Coniston and in the Ruskin Museum would allow people from all across the world to marvel not only at the original design, which was years ahead of its time, but also to see the very vessel that won so many records over the 12 or so years she was actively used, as well as recognise the efforts of those who have restored her.

“That she would be housed only a stone’s throw away from her skipper, Donald Campbell CBE who is buried in the graveyard in Coniston is absolutely fitting and that is what the Campbell family would like to see happen.”