The Mayor of Bexley christened a new boat at Erith Rowing Club’s riverside boathouse before it was unleashed onto the choppy waters of the Thames.

Councillor Sharon Massey poured a bottle of champagne over the boat as the sun broke through the clouds.

The boat was named after its sponsor - marine engineering company Kort Propulsion - and was immediately put to the test by long-serving president Fred Smith, vice-captain Emma Fordham and junior member Georgina Farrow.

The club welcomes new members and runs various learn-to-row courses at Danson Lake, as well as training and coaching outings on the Thames.

Visit erithrowingclub.co.uk

News Shopper: Fred Smith, vice-captain Emma Fordham and junior member Georgina Farrow.