A former Clyde steamer left rusting in London for two years could get a new lease of life.

The 78-year-old Queen Mary was abandoned in a dock on the River Thames after ferrying families 'doon the watter' for more than 40 years.

But now one of the grand old ladies of the Clyde could be re-born as she goes to auction later this month.

Built by the William Denny shipyard at Dumbarton, the Queen Mary first set sail in 1933, carrying 2000 passengers from Glasgow's Bridge Wharf to Dunoon, Rothesay, Largs and Millport.

Two years later, with the launch of the renowned Cunard liner Queen Mary, the steamer had to change its name to the Queen Mary II.

She survived the war unscathed and sailed on the Clyde until 1977, when she was retired and laid up at Greenock. A few years later she was sold, refitted and taken to London to become a bar and restaurant on the Thames.

But since a plan to turn her into a floating hotel, restaurant and gym in France collapsed, she has been languishing in Tilbury docks, Kent.

Richard Lane, boss of Isle of Wight-based Capital Boats, which is marketing the ship believes it could be a lucrative investment ahead of the London Olympics.

He hopes a development firm will refurbish it and convert it to a floating hotel or other venue. A guide price hasn't yet been set.