Southend's annual barge match being held on Saturday has attracted the attention of national television for the first time.

About a dozen Thames barges will be filmed by ITV London as they compete for various trophies in the 41st match, which starts at 10am.

This year's race is being filmed as part of a documentary that will be shown as a televised series starting in mid October. The subject of the programme will be the history of the Thames Sailing Barge and will explain the importance of sailing barges to London's maritime transport.

Southend Council cabinet member for leisure Tony North said: "It's great we have aroused the interest of a national television channel and I hope lots of people will come along and see these striking vessels in action."

Published Wednesday August 25, 2004

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