Tourism saw a huge boost in Woolwich and Greenwich as more than 800,000 people visited during the Tall Ships Festival 2017.

Official figures released by the council saw the festival, which ran from April 13-16, being a big hit with local businesses, with half of businesses saying they had at least a 50 per cent increase in turnover.

A third of businesses even extended their opening hours to profit off all the extra people in town for the event.

Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, cabinet member for culture, creative industries and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that so many visitors enjoyed Tall Ships Festival 2017.

“The event was a fantastic celebration of Royal Greenwich’s continuing rich maritime heritage and brought hundreds of thousands of people to see the ships in the borough.

“It undoubtedly helped strengthen our international standing and boost tourism which has knock-on economic benefits for residents and local businesses.”