A plan to transform a historic former River Mersey ferry which is to attract visitors with a food, drink and events space, is to go to planners next week with the recommendation for approval.

The ferry originally named Overchurch, and which was built on Merseyside in 1958 at Cammell Laird Shipbuilders on Birkenhead had began service for Birkenhead Corporation Ferries in 1962.

The ferry could take 860 passengers on the commuter service between Liverpool and the Wirral Peninsula where the shipyard is also located.

The 468 gross tonnage ferry was renamed Royal Daffodil in 1999 and remained in regular service on the river until it was decommissioned in 2012. Now the 54 year-old vessel is undergoing refurbishment having fallen into a dilapidated state.

According to Liverpool City Ships, they are looking to give the four-decked vessel a permanent home in the port's Canning dock as a heritage asset with a mixed-use venue.

An application for the 46m ferry was scheduled to go before committee on 25 April, but was not considered due to the need for further information from the applicant.

Insider Media has more on the development.