Diamond Jubilee Pageant: Worcestershire couple continue trip

A Worcestershire couple travelling on a narrowboat to take part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant have continued their journey after becoming marooned.

Andrew and Wendy Dyke had been stranded in Tewkesbury for 10 days after starting the 216-mile trip from Evesham last month.

Mr Dyke said: "We'll still get to London in time but we might have to travel up to 10 hours each day now."

They are travelling on their boat Lord Toulouse.

The couple, both Evesham Town and Wychavon District councillors, were stranded on the River Avon side of Tewkesbury.

Mr Dyke said the river levels had been so high that it was too dangerous for them to continue their journey.

On Monday afternoon they had reached Droitwich after being advised that River Severn levels had dropped enough to make it safe for them to continue.

Organisers expect about 1,000 vessels to take part in the pageant.

Rehearsals for the event are due to take place on 25 and 26 May.