FRIENDS of the Newport Ship say the city should become a conservation centre for waterlogged wood.

Almost 95 per cent of the medieval ship has been recovered following the Save Our Ship campaign last summer.

Supporters are now calling for a national Centre for Conservation of Waterlogged Wood in Newport to meet the requirements and assist funding of the estimated 10-15 year restoration project.

Friends vice chairman Ron McCormick said: "On average a new archaeological ship-related find is made in the South Wales-Severn area every two years."

He said these finds justified the centre, adding: "It would make a fascinating tourist attraction, similar to Liverpool Museum's Conservation Centre."