Ninety paddle boarders are expected to gather at Kew Bridge next Thursday to paddle down the Richmond riverside to collect plastic litter along the towpath.

The event called Get On Board will start at Kew Bridge at 7.45pm and finish at River Lane in Petersham.

The route will take paddlers past iconic South West London sites, including Kew Gardens, Syon House, Isleworth Ait and Old Deer Park.

The aim of the event, run by Be Richmond, is to highlight the problem of plastic pollution in Richmond’s freshwater system, which in turn leads to contamination of the oceans.

Be Richmond Chairman Erick Kervaon says: “This event reinforces Richmond’s environmental credentials. The river is a major business and recreational asset to our town and it is vital that we protect it.

“I’m proud to be part of Get On Board and I hope lots of people can come along and support us next Thursday.”

The event is open to all abilities and beginners can attend a two-hour training session with Be Richmond.

Paddlers will be joined by charity workers Carlos de Souza and Carolyn Newton, who began a 300 km journey down Thames River last week on World’s Ocean Day.

Mr de Souza and Mrs Newton will be delivering a message in a bottle to parliament to raise awareness of plastic pollution on Tuesday, June 26.

Book tickets from £25 on https://berichmond.london/get-on-board/.