PLANS to rebuild and display Newport's medieval ship have moved a step closer after a "milestone" achievement in the project.

The last of the ship timbers were sent off to York Archaeological Trust on Tuesday, where they will be freeze dried.

Once returned to Friends of the Newport Ship (FONS), the timbers will be in a condition to be kept for another 500 years.

Phil Cox, chairman of FONS, said it was a "milestone" in the project.

He said the project hopes to apply for funding in the future, so that the ship can be rebuilt and displayed in a dedicated museum.

"We should not underestimate the value of this project to the general public in South Wales," said Mr Cox.

"We need to make sure we are suitably ambitious and that people believe in this project. Our aim is to take it forward and give it the presence it deserves."

Mr Cox estimates that once displayed the ship would draw around 150,000 visitors per year.

The 15th Century ship, which is believed to come from the Basque area, was first unearthed in 2002 after work started to build the Riverfront Theatre on the bank of the river Usk.