A MARITIME historian has won a prestigious award for his commitment to nautical heritage.

Paul Barnett was presented with the 2007 Award from the Nautical Archaeology Society through its Adopt A Wreck initiative.

Mr Barnett gained the accolade because of the work and dedication he has shown to the Purton Hulks.

The Purton Hulks are the remains of 80 vessels left on the River Severn to protect its banks almost 100 years ago.

Mr Barnett said: "It's the only award presented once a year to sites of this nature but it's predominantly presented to diving organisations. It usually goes to off-shore sites."

Over the last eight years Mr Barnett has given much of his time to researching and recording the history of each of the Hulks.

He has also become a champion for the site, working with British Waterways and English Heritage to get it special recognition and protection because of its historical significance.

Mr Barnett said: "This award means so much. It means the eight years that have been put into the site have been recognised.

"Unfortunately despite my best efforts there is still a lot of work needed to convince English Heritage to give the site special recognition."

While in Portsmouth to collect his award from the Nautical Archaeology Society, Mr Barnett gave a special presentation on the Purton Hulks to 475 people, including representatives from English Heritage and the Mary Rose Trust.

"We couldn't have got the Purton Hulks any higher on the agenda if we tried," said Mr Barnett.

Last month British Waterways unveiled a plaque at the Purton Hulks, which named all 80 wrecks that line the shoreline.

As well as campaigning, Mr Barnett also organises and leads guided walks around the Hulks, providing detailed history about each wreck.

Tours of the Purton Hulks are available every month. Scheduled site tours for 2008 are on Sunday, January 6 and Sunday, January 20 (1pm), meeting at Purton Lower Bridge. For more information call 07833 143 231.