It has been used by stars of stage and screen including Tom Conti, Maureen Lipman and several cast members of EastEnders and Coronation Street.

Thousands of tourists have also taken trips on Canterbury Historic River Tours which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Owner Carey Miles is planning a number of celebratory events in June.

He has researched the business which was launched as the Canterbury Friars Ferry by Albert Coole.

The idea was to open up a river to the public that had been an important highway in Roman and medieval times.

See more on the Canterbury Historic River Tours>>>

Mr Miles has unearthed a photographic history of the business and hopes the refurbished Beaney Institute will run a river tours exhibition.

He said: “I am very proud of the fact that many customers come back year after year to use our service. The Stour is an under-valued asset for Canterbury.”

For full story and pictures, see Thursday’s Kentish Gazette.

www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk