The Mayor of Kingston will help launch GoBoat at the riverbank on Friday (May 10).

Councillor Thay Thayalan and Mayoress Mrs Lata Thayalan will head to Riverside Walk on Friday afternoon (3pm) to cut the ribbon for the company's latest outpost in Kingston.

GoBoat rent out electric-powered picnic boats for do-it-yourself river cruises on the Thames.

The boats feature a small engine that can achieve a "casual" cruising speed of around 3.5 knots or 4mph, and are fitted with seating around a central table for drinking and dining on the water.

Julian Wootton, co-founder of GoBoat UK, described his time growing up in the area and how he believes the boats will make a great addition to this stretch of England's most famous river.

"I grew up in the area, and it’s brilliant to be able to bring GoBoat to Kingston. It’s the perfect second location for GoBoat.

"People love the freedom of going on their own boating adventure and now we can offer access to the iconic River Thames," he said.

A GoBoat spokesperson offered further details, highlighting the green credentials of the company.

"GoBoats are powered by an almost silent electric motor, an eco-friendlier alternative to petrol engines.

"The deck and table are made from sustainably sourced forestry wood and the foam kernel is made of 80 per cent recycled PET - the equivalent of 600 plastic bottles," GoBoat said.

In total, a fleet of four of the electric boats is expected to be based in Kingston and GoBoat said they are already taking advance bookings for rentals.

One of the suggested routes that customers will be able to navigate with a complimentary map will be Designated captains will go up river as far as Hampton Court Palace (Molesey Lock) and all the way down river to Teddington Lock.

Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive at Kingston First hailed the arrival of the company ahead of Friday's launch:

"GoBoat’s arrival at Kingston is a fantastic enhancement to a picturesque and bustling part of the town centre which has an array of popular pubs and restaurants to enjoy.

"GoBoat further bolsters the town's riverside as a great destination and we look forward to working with them," Ms Henly said.