VIDEO: Woman finds grandfather’s boat used in Dunkirk evacuation and restores it 

Annie Gabb always thought her grandfather PJ Darby’s boat – The Anne – had been lost in the war.

Then a Google search led the 74-year-old to the 30ft vessel, which is named after her.

It was built in 1925 and was used by allied troops to rescue soldiers from the beaches at Dunkirk and the family feared it was sunk during a rescue mission.

‘The Anne’ had taken part in the 2010 pilgrimage to Dunkirk as part of 70th anniversary commemorations and the Queen’s golden jubilee celebrations on the Thames in 2012.

After the jubilee celebrations it was abandoned and was eventually found by Annie in a ‘frightful state’. Along with her brother Nick Thompson, they set about restoring it to its former glory.