A BLAST from the past saw a 112-foot rescue motor launch cruise into Portland Harbour 66 years after being based there in the Second World War.

Western Lady III - a Fairmile B motor launch - made her historic return to the island to feature as an extra in the film The Boat That Rocked.

Now a Swanage-based commercial vessel, Western Lady III was placed with the 62nd ML Flotilla based at Portland from 1942 to 1944.

Crew member Jerry Smerdon said: "As far as we're aware it's the first time Western Lady III has been back since 1944. She left here and went into service, then was based in Brixham and Torbay and we've only had her since last August.

"We do regular cruises along the Jurassic Coast but don't go further than St Alban's Head so she hasn't been back before."

He added: "We can't give away any details about the film, but we're looking forward to seeing Western Lady III on the big screen."

RML 497 - Western Lady III - was transferred from Portland to Kirkwall in January 1944 on anti-submarine target towing duties until August when she was sent to Appledore.

She joined the 69th Flotilla based at Felixstowe until she was sold off at Itchenor in 1947 and entered service with the Western Lady Ferry between Brixham and Torquay Service.

Western Lady III was recently withdrawn at Torbay, but returned to service at Swanage for Fairmile Classic Cruises last year.

The Southampton-built boat is one of seven in the world, and the only one operating as a passenger carrier rather than a houseboat.

White Motor Boats crew Paul Dallawa managed to get more close-up shots while operating on the ferry service. He said: "They're using a lot of local boats in the filming, and it was good to see one of the gig rowing boats out there.

"It's been great to tell our passengers about the filming, and it's exciting for school parties to see on their ferry trip to Portland Castle."