FIVE Canvey rowing boats have been chosen to sail as part of a giant procession to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

More than 20 rowers from the Lower Thames Rowing Club, based at the Dauntless Boat Yard, in Canvey Road, Canvey, are celebrating after receiving news five of their vessels will form part of the largest-ever flotilla to grace the River Thames.

About 1,000 boats will take part in a seven-mile procession to lead the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh along the river, in celebration of the Queen’s 60th anniversary on the throne.

The club, which was formed in 2002, applied to take part in the procession last year and has been selected to represent south Essex as part of the fleet.

It will provide the service of two four-manned gigs and three 16ft skiff boats, which will sail ahead of the Queen, who will follow in a royal barge.

Club secretary Colin Windows said: “This is such a great honour for us, we all feel so privileged to be chosen to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Never have so many boats travelled along the Thames before, and we are only too happy to be involved.

“Everyone is really looking forward to the event. We are all so passionate about traditional rowing and it is great that our little club has been picked. We will probably be one of the most colourful groups there, what with our bright orange jerseys.”

The River Thames has a long history of hosting royal celebrations, including processions for Anne Boleyn’s coronation in 1533, a pageant for King Charles II and Queen Catherine of Braganza in 1662 and a musical event held in 1717 by King George I.

The Diamond Jubilee pageant will take place on June 3 as part of the four-day weekend to commemorate the Queen’s 60th anniversary on the throne.

For more information visit www.thamesdiamondjubilee pageant.org