PHOTOGRAPHERS have snapped some brilliant images of the Purton ship graveyard in Berkeley over the last few years. 

In 1909, the river bank in Purton collapsed, leaving the Gloucester and Sharpness canal open to erosion from the Severn’s strong currents.

Nigel Martin from the Gloucestershire Camera Club has captured the above pictures of the area. 

The solution to the problems was to beach purposely abandoned ships to reinforce the bank of the River Severn.

The process was slowly completed between 1909 and 1970, with most of the work taking place in the 50s.

Purton ship graveyard is also known as Purton Hulks. 

To find it, travel along the A38 and take the turning singposted BreadStone Halmore– Purton.

Travel for 2 miles, take a right turning on the sharp left hand bend, signposted Purton.