Vince Cable

On Saturday afternoon 300 rowing boats - old and new - will race the 22 miles from Ham to Greenwich on the tide.

The race will be led off at 3.30 by veteran boats including a restored Swedish vessel, Lillan, with a crew of 4 including MP Vincent Cable and TV presenter Bamber Gascoigne.

They are being sponsored to row for the Richmond Environment Trust, a charity specialising in local environmental projects around the Thames. Also attending will be Mayors from at least 7 boroughs bordering the river.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY 3.15PM HAM SLIPWAY (HAM HOUSE) FOR 3.30PM START further information can be found at www.greatriverrace.co.uk