A centuries old tradition was upheld this weekend, when the Mayor of Maidstone cruised the River Medway to count his swans.

Residents watched on as a flotilla of nine boats sailed downstream to Hawkwood Stone and then upstream to Wateringbury, bearing cllr Derek Butler on the annual Court of Survey Cruise on Saturday.

Maidstone is the only borough in the country where swans belong to the mayor rather than the monarch.

The practice first took place when Queen Elizabeth I granted the town rights to inspect the waterway in 1559, and in 1619 those liberties were extended by King James I to include the privilege of keeping swans and cygnets.

Swan upping, as it is known, was revived in 1975 and since 1981 Bob Tuthill and the Hampstead and Yalding Cruising Club have organised the event.

Club president Mo Clayton said: “It is a light-hearted way to celebrate a tradition that reminds people of the commercial importance of the River Medway, which is what made Maidstone the County Town.

“It is also important to take stock of the wildlife, to see where they live and if they are breeding.

“We saw around a dozen swans and cygnets which was very encouraging.”

Traditionally, swans are marked by means of a numbered ring put on their leg, although that did not take place this year as the post of Swan Master is currently vacant.