A major shopping centre's famous floating restaurant is being raised after sinking just days before Christmas.

The Miller and Carter restaurant at Lakeside Shopping Centre, in West Thurrock, started sinking just two days before Christmas, as it begin tilting into the water on December 23.

This reportedly stopped on Christmas Eve and the steakhouse, housed on a converted paddle steamer on the lake, has been empty since, with pictures shared with the Echo earlier this year showing the interior of the abandoned site untouched since the incident. 

Photos showed a fully decorated Christmas tree and tables still in a prepared state ready for customers.

Now, the photo above - shared on the Echo's Facebook page - shows the floating restaurant is finally being raised. 

This comes after Lakeside confirmed a contractor was appointed to start the operation to raise the Miller and Carter restaurant at the start of July.

A spokesman for the centre said: “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.”

Despite appearing to be raised, Lakeside has told the Echo there is no new update on the operation.

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

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