Helensburgh and Lomond residents have been invited to join in the 70th birthday celebrations for a very special lady.

Built at the same Clydeside shipyard responsible for the world-famous Waverley, the paddle steamer Maid of the Loch undertook her maiden voyage on Loch Lomond on May 25, 1953.

And a free 1950s-themed birthday bash - 'Dreamboats and Petticoats' - will take place at Balloch Pier on the weekend of May 27 and 28 to mark the milestone.

The day will feature classic cars and vintage vehicles, a double decker bus which used to run on local bus services in Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven, and performances from the Boogie Box Jive group.

The event has been organised by the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, the volunteer-led charity which owns the ship - and which is also using the festival as a celebration of the restoration work being carried out on the ship.

Programme manager Charli Summers said: ‘’The weekend will mark an incredibly special moment for the Maid.

“Not only is it her 70th birthday, but the ongoing restoration work also saves the ship for another 70 years.

“The weekend extravaganza will have something for everyone and is a family friendly event.

“Please join us to mark this special occasion.

"Visitors can also enjoy face painting, crafts, model boat sailing with the Knightswood Model Boat Club, and see the historic winch house – a small deckhouse built around a mast - in steam."

The seating area on the pier will be used as a stage for acts to perform at.

PS Maid of the Loch is the last paddle steamer to be built in the UK and is on the UK’s Historic Ships Register.

Those interested in performing in the festival should contact the Loch Lomond Steamship Company via email at mail@maidoftheloch.org.

To read more about the charity and the ship, visit www.maidoftheloch.org.