A lifeboat in a Highbury school playground is getting some much needed repairs.

The former 35ft RNLI vessel, which reputedly saved 84 lives during active service, has been a permanent part of the Drayton Park Primary School playground since 1991.

Last Thursday it was winched by crane and taken to Kent.

Andrew Myer, a governor at the Arvon Road school, said: “It’s off to the boatyard to be fixed up, but we need �25,000 to do it, so donations will be gratefully received.

“We really hope we get it back. It’s really popular with the children and we are building a new community arts building which is designed around the boat.”