NEWPORT'S medieval ship is going on another journey - but this time only of a few hundred yards.

The timbers, which are stored in custom-built cold water tanks at Corus' Llanwern steelworks, are being transferred to another building on the same site.

Corus spokesman Simon Jenkins said: "We're going to be using the building for operational purposes and we have offered the archaeologists the use of a new building about 100 yards away from the old one.

"It's a smaller-sized building that gets more natural light. One benefit to them of being on site is that there is a lot of moving equipment around they make use of.

"They'll be moving within the next couple of months. We have a three-month rolling contract to store the timbers at a nominal fee, but we're happy to help out for as long as possible.

"We won't leave them high and dry!" A spokesman for Newport council said: "We are very grateful to Corus for its support since the discovery of the ship almost a year ago.

"The movement of the timbers to a new location on the Llanwern site is good news for us as it will mean a number of improvements in the working conditions for those currently dealing with the care of the ship's timbers.

"Of course, moving the timbers will be done in consultation with experts and handled with the utmost delicacy.

"This is an exciting time for the city as work begins on the development of a project that will take the ship through to the ultimate display of this rare and magical vessel."

But Ron McCormick, vice-chairman of the Friends of the Newport Ship, said: "It is with some dismay that I heard of the recent Corus decision that the timbers must be moved. "A move to yet another temporary store can only disrupt the recording process and is bound to lead to further damage and loss.

"Newport council should bite the bullet and secure the future of the project by leasing a permanent facility that will satisfy the expected 10-15 years required for recording and conservation of the timbers."

On Tuesday the Argus reported how Mary Rose Archaeological Services would help Newport city council plan the future of the ship, from preservation to display.