Gold lock paddle pedestal

BOATERS using Bray Lock on the Thames below Maidenhead will be surprised to see it painted gold.

It is not a scheme to brighten-up the lock, but as a tribute to the Olympic and Paralympic rowers who won a total of ten medals at the events on the Thames, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Lasting memento

It was unveiled by Sir Steve Redgrave as a lasting memento to the rowing victories at the Games.

At the time, the local authorities wanted the Thames to run gold, with paint floating down the river, but this was not allowed by the Environment Agency as it would affect the wildlife.