A project to restore a fireboat which helped to evacuate more than 600 British soldiers from Dunkirk during the Second World War has been awarded £425,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Massey Shaw, which is moored at Deptford Creek in south east London, is now set to be restored to full working order, while the money will also be used to establish an education programme including workshops for schools, open days and special events. Built in 1935, the vessel was saved from ruin by the Massey Shaw and Marine Vessels Preservation Society in 1980. It will continue to remain open to visitors two days per week during the restoration process, and it is hoped that the number will increase once work is complete.

As well as helping in the evacuation of Dunkirk, the Massey Shaw also helped to fight fires during the Blitz, and was also the scene of a 1947 meeting which led towards the creation of the National Health Service. Sue Bowers, head of HLF London, said: "This project will preserve a remarkable vessel with a proud history and explain its achievements to a much larger audience of all ages. It will also be able to demonstrate its capabilities for many years to come."

David Rogers, director of the Massey Shaw and Marine Vessels Preservation Society, said: "The funding will secure the future of the vessel and allow the history of fire-fighting on the River Thames to be brought to a wider audience."