by Stephen Waite

A historic barge has been given the royal seal of approval after winning a national prize.

The Edith May, now in tea-room mode at her winter moorings in Lower Halstow, was presented with the 2012 Flagship of the Year award by Princess Anne at the end of last month.

Ed Gransden was invited on board HMS Belfast on the Thames for the annual National Historic Ships UK awards ceremony. He said: "This year, the barge has gained a lot of attention and it was nice to round off the season by going up there.

"Princess Anne seemed like a genuinely nice person. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do, bow or curtsey? But it was quite relaxed and we had a little chat about the barge and she said how impressed she was."

The award was announced earlier this year and included a £1,000 grant towards maintaining the vessel, as well as a swallow-tailed pennant. Flagship status is awarded by National Historic Ships UK every year and promotes appreciation of the role historic vessels play in Britain’s heritage.

Receiving the accolade marked the end of one of the most successful year’s in the Edith May’s history. In June, the vessel was part of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, and in September, the Edith May was crowned winner of the Thames Barge Championship.

Ed added: "I don’t think we will top 2012 for quite a few years to come."