Couple selected to take part in historic Jubilee celebrations

Buy photos » Councillors Wendy and Andrew Dyke will raise the Union Jack with pride in June when they take part in The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Flotilla on the River Thames. Picture by Nick Hands 0512029NHR

A PAIR of seasoned boaters are set to cruise into the history books after being chosen to represent the county in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Town and district councillors Andrew and Wendy Dyke will take part in the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla which will see about 1,000 boats follow Her Majesty's lead on the River Thames on Sunday, June 3.

The couple will set off for the once-in-a-lifetime event in their traditional narrow boat 'Lord Toulouse' in early May to make the 220-mile journey down to London in time for the big day.

Boats from the UK, Commonwealth and beyond will take part in the spectacle which is to be one of many highlights commemorating the monarch's historic reign.

The gathering will be the largest flotilla of modern times and it is estimated a crowd of more than a million people will line the river banks to cheer the boats on.

A delighted Coun Dyke said they were thrilled to be among a lucky few chosen and will use the trip to help put the Vale and the rest of the county on the map.

"We have travelled the Thames before and it is a fantastic way to view London," he said. "But the Flotilla really promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"We want to do the county proud on the day and we hope that this event helps open up other people's eyes to the joys of boating and the stunning waterways Worcestershire is blessed with.

"Boating is such a rewarding experience as it gives you the opportunity to view the landscape from a totally different perspective."

Also taking part in the historic event are the members of the Pershore Phoenix Dragon Boat Club.

Club spokeswoman Sonya Wilkinson said: "This is a fantastic honour for everyone associated with the club and hopefully will help put Pershore on the map."