THE owner of a Victorian passenger boat planning to set sail on York’s waterways is appealing for help achieving his dream.

Jim Sanderson, 33, bought the £320,000 vessel, which dates back to 1894 and is named Belle, last year.

Jim, a scuba-diving instructor who also works as a firefighter in York and runs his own eco-friendly wood-flooring business, wants to provide an alternative to existing modern vessels and has invested £80,000 on restoration costs so far.

Having lovingly restored Belle with authentic Victorian décor throughout, Jim aims to get her up and running and on York’s waterways at the beginning of next year.

But Jim said there was a shortfall of cash needed to put the finishing touches to Belle and he is asking any members of the public who want to help fundraise or buy advertising space on the boat to get in touch.

“She looks beautiful now,” said Jim.

“It really is going to bring the Victorian age back to York – a city famous for the Romans and Vikings.”

He believes the 75-foot, steam-powered craft will create up to dozens of new jobs for people in the city while also attracting tourists to the city.

Belle would be used for jazz nights, birthdays, murder mystery nights, weddings and corporate events, with Jim saying more than 2,000 people had already shown interesting in using the vessel once it is finished.

“We would really like York businesses to come on board and help achieve something unique for the city,” said Jim.

“If you want to help then please get in touch.”

Jim, who owns York-based company Eco Flooring UK, which specialises in reclaimed parquet flooring and recycles wood up to 300 years old from schools, had taken to boats after helping fit out a bus that will tour around the athlete villages at London’s 2012 Olympic Games.

Anybody interested in helping with the boating venture should phone 01904 796272.