WORK to rebuild the Bluebird boat in which speed ace Donald Campbell was killed was given official blessing by his daughter today.

Gina Campbell fixed the first rivet in the craft, which was recovered from the bottom of Coniston Water in 2001 and is being restored. The Bluebird K7 was originally constructed in Samlesbury and was substantially rebuilt in Nelson. Now the process of returning the boat to full working order will take place.

A spokesman said: "The Bluebird Project volunteer team has worked tirelessly for two years reconstructing Bluebird.

"The boat was successfully trial-assembled in September 2008 and now, with the backing of world-class sponsorship, her final construction to full working order will commence."