A CELEBRATION of the life of Saltcoats woman Betsy Miller, the first female sea captain in Britain, will be held later this month.

Saltcoats' SeaSalt Streets group have organised a free event on Saturday, August 31 from 11am which will tell the story of this remarkable woman.

Betsy was the daughter of the Saltcoats timber merchant and shipowner William Miller. She took over the company from her father and became the first woman to be given a sea captain licence from the Board of Trade

She retired in 1862 and left the company to her sister, Hannah.

You are invited to gather at the Heritage Centre in Saltcoats at 11am on the big day before taking a stroll through the town, stopping at appropriate points to hear some of the Betsy Miller story.

This event is organised by SeaSalt Streets, with support from other local groups and individuals.

SeaSalt Streets are a group of local volunteers seeking to make improvements to Dockhead Street and surrounding environments.

The group uses creative and innovative approaches to enhance the look of the area including improving street furniture, street planting, street art and re-imaging how to use empty shop units.

For more about the group visit the 'SeaSalt Streets' page on Facebook.