A shopping centre has issued an update on its popular floating restaurant almost seven months after it started "sinking".

The Miller and Carter restaurant at Lakeside Shopping Centre, in West Thurrock, started sinking just two days before Christmas, much to the shock of customers.

The steakhouse, housed on a converted paddle steamer on the lake, begin tilting into the water on December 23 and reportedly stopped on Christmas Eve.

Pictures shared with the Echo earlier this year showed the interior of the abandoned site remained untouched since the incident - with a fully decorated Christmas tree and tables still in a prepared state ready for customers.

When disaster struck, bosses said the steamer had started sinking due to "structural issues" and an assessment would take place in the new year.

However, when approached in April, the shopping centre could give no further update.

Now, a spokesman has confirmed a contractor has been appointed and the restaurant is set to be raised.

A spokesman for Lakeside said: “We can confirm that a contractor has been appointed to start the operation to raise the Miller and Carter restaurant.

“Once able to do so, they will be able to report on their findings and assessments, which will enable us to make an informed decision.”

No one was injured during the initial sinking incident but a large operation was undertaken to safely evacuate everyone onboard.