The Vicar of St Mary with St Alban Church, Reverand David Cloake, led the annual blessing of the River Thames at Teddington yesterday (Sunday, 12 July).

The ceremony, which was supported by Teddington RNLI, gives the community the opportunity to give thanks to the importance of the river to the existence work and leisure of Teddington.

During the ceremony, local volunteer groups with links to the Thames and the sea gathered to celebrate the river's contribution to the town and those who work or volunteer to keep river users safe.



Teddington RNLI members led prayers during the ceremony (Credit: Teddington RNLI)

Prayers and readings were read by RNLI and church members, while the church choir led hymns and anthems.

Paper boats, flowers and a wooden cross were launched into the water.