Historic paddle steamer the Waverley has been a popular visitor to Southend for decades with its much-loved river cruises.

As the world's last seagoing paddle steamer returns to the landmark pier later this month, we have dug through our archives to find these pictures of passengers enjoying the vessel over the years.

Popular - Waverley cruises from Southend Pier Popular - Waverley cruises from Southend Pier (Image: Waverley Excursions)

It was thought 2011 would be the Waverley's last season of cruises as a fundraising campaign, Save the Waverley, was launched to raise £350,000 to keep the ships going.

That summer Nick James, chairman of the ship’s owners, the Glasgow-based charity, Waverley Steam Navigation Company, told the Echo: "We have exciting plans for 2012, but we must make sure we have the funds necessary for essential winter maintenance."

Busy - Passengers enjoying the Waverley cruises Busy - Passengers enjoying the Waverley cruises (Image: Simon Murdoch)

However, a paddle steamer expert closer to home, Southend councillor Derek Jarvis remained optimistic about the return as he said, "they always seem able to get people to rally round and raise the money."

Mr Jarvis turned out to be right as the Waverley was back at the pier in 2012 and, as these photos show, full of passengers excited for the cruises.

Wow - Waverley's magnificent triple expansion steam engine Wow - Waverley's magnificent triple expansion steam engine (Image: Waverley Excursions)

Waverley Excursions offers trips from the end of the iconic pier along the River Blackwater and River Medway, as well as trips along the Thames to Tower Bridge and the Second World War Maunsell Forts.

The Waverley will be back in the town from September 27 to October 13.

Queues - Passengers patiently waiting to get onQueues - Passengers patiently waiting to get on (Image: Newsquest)

Among the new themed cruises for 2024 is a special trip on October 4 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Radio Caroline.

The grand finale of the Waverley’s Southend sailings will take place on October 13 with a spectacular Historic Ships Parade, where the Waverley will meet and sail alongside other historic vessels, including the Steam Tug Challenge.

Cold - A windy at seaCold - A windy at sea (Image: Newsquest)

The Waverley was built at Glasgow on the River Clyde in 1947.

It has become a regular visitor to Southend, and underwent a £7million refit in 2003.

Tickets at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or via the booking office on 0141 243 2224.