Hundreds of people discovered the River Thames Boat Project at its recent open day.

The charity runs therapeutic cruises and educational activities to make the river accessible for people with mobility and other issues.

A team of 70 volunteers, trained in dementia and disability awareness run the events, specialising in taking the elderly, disabled, vision impaired, ex-servicemen and those with special needs, medical and mental health conditions.

The 29-metre Dutch barge the Thames Venturer, built in 1908, has been modified to provide full access for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.

A special gangway and lift have been installed, as well as modifications below deck, including two disabled showers and toilets, 12 berths, a full kitchen galley and a saloon area.

Children at the launch played Splat the Ship’s Rat and hook a duck, and spoke to the volunteer crew about the charity, and many who attended enjoyed the homemade cake on offer.

Also at the event were Councillor Julie Pickering, Mayor of Kingston, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, DBE and President of the Kingston Rotary Club Phillip Holt.

The River Thames Boat Project was the chosen charity for the Kingston Rotary’s Dragon Boat Races.