Crowds of people braved wet weather near Bridgnorth to see their historic ferry service back in the water after two years on dry land.

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Residents, local councillors and volunteers were delighted to see the Hampton Loade ferry return to the River Severn yesterday – with a little help from a 25-tonne crane.

The ferry, a popular tourist attraction, had been out of action since the area was devastated in the 2007 summer floods.

Alex Medhurst, trustee of the Hampton Loade Community Trust, said: “It went fine. It was a nice atmosphere – a lot of people had heard about the launch and came along to watch.

“It was on a scaffolding platform and the crane lifted it off and placed it in the water with a stop in between so they could attach the rudder.”

He explained that the ferry, which was built in Ironbridge five years ago, would have to rest in the water initially, to acclimatise and allow the wood to expand before officials attempt to go across the river.

Mr Medhurst added: “It needs to sit there for a day so the wood can expand before we try and take it across.”

Supporter Nick Cole was one of a number of volunteers to get their waders on and helped guide the ferry back into the water.

He said: “It was very pleasing to see it sitting on the water and floating nicely.

“I think it will make a huge difference. We are only a tiny place anyway, and for all the tourists who get off the train it is a natural walk down to the river and the ferry.”

The fate of the ancient crossing service, which has been in existence for more than 400 years, was hanging in the balance after owner Darren Page announced earlier this year that he intended to sell it, with a £50,000 price tag.

Local people rallied round forming the community trust and together with a £5,000 grant from Bridgnorth District Council before it disbanded, they managed to safeguard the future of the ferry.

Mr Medhurst added: “There were no problems at all, which was great because there could have been any number of things.

“Now we are hoping that we will be operating as soon as possible – within a couple of weeks anyway.”