A punter’s use of one of the oldest tricks in the book has captivated a very modern audience - with millions on social media watching his moves.

The viral footage, taken by a passenger, shows the man nonchalantly lying back and using his feet to push his riverboat down so it comfortably travels under a low bridge in Canterbury.

His fancy footwork is then applauded by those on board the ‘Black Pearl’ as the 22-second video ends.

The Canterbury Historic River Tours worker was doing something known as legging, a centuries-old technique of passing through narrow waterways when unable to use other tools.

The short video has been watched more than 10 million times, received 116,000 likes on one Facebook page and been shared 2,700 times – with many praising the boatman.

Kori Carignan called it “the definition of ‘work smarter not harder’” while Ryan Lancaster joked: “What an impressive ‘feet’ of strength.”

Sharon Milligan added: “It’s not dumb if it works.”

Others noted his remarkable likeness to Wonka actor Timothee Chalamet.

River tours and punting have a long and proud history in Canterbury and are considered one of the best ways to see the city.

Canterbury Historic River Tours carried out its first trip in March 1932, known then as the Canterbury Friars’ Ferry.

The 40-minute return boat journey takes in landmarks including the Eastbridge Hospital, the Old Weavers House, the Marlowe Theatre and the infamous ducking stool.