An online campaign has been started on the Downing Street website since the Ministry of Defence announced last month it was to review all funding options for the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

Campaigners want the navy to guarantee it will stay as custodian of Victory and commit the cash needed to preserve her for future generations.

So far 980 people have signed up to the petition.

All of them have now been contacted by Number 10 offering an explanation for why the review is needed.

Downing Street said: 'We feel it is important to ensure that petitioners are aware that HMS Victory will remain part of the Royal Navy.

'She will not be given away or decommissioned, and she is to remain the Flagship of the Second Sea Lord.

'The government is fully aware of the iconic status of Victory and the admiration and affection the nation has towards her.

'That is why we are committed to securing her future and ensuring that she continues to be well looked after.'

But Portsmouth city councillor Alistair Thompson, who created the petition, was not convinced by the response.

'It is just a lot of words,' he said.

'It is just playing with semantics – they say they will keep her as a commissioned warship but they have given no guarantees about her maintenance.

'And they have failed to give a simple reassurance that they will keep Victory safe and the navy will not dispose of her.'

The MoD is considering a range of options for the ship to cope with the £1.5m basic annual maintenance cost.

They include passing her to another government department, a charity, or even allowing an independent firm to ensure her welfare.

The MoD insists that Victory would not risk losing her commissioned status.