The annual Blessing of the Waters service was held at the weekend at Crundells Wharf, Queenborough Harbour.

The service first took place in 1690 after townspeople helped two shipwrecked sailors.

It was resurrected 35 years ago and includes prayers, hymns, and thanking God for keeping seafarers safe.

Last Sunday’s service was conducted by the Rev John Streeting, of Holy Trinity Church, Queenborough, and Holy Trinity Church, Sheerness, and attended by town mayor Cllr Jeff Andrews.

A band from Minster’s Girls’ Brigade played at the service which was supported by Queenborough Rowing Club, with several vessels in attendance along with a lifeboat.

Mr Streeting will soon be on the move. He has just been appointed to a new post as team rector of Axminster in Devon with additional responsibility for five other churches in surrounding villages.

He is expected to take up his new duties in October after spending nearly eight years here.

His replacement has yet to be announced by Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott.

In Devon, Mr Streeting will conduct Sunday services in all six churches.

One of the highlights of his ministry here was marrying his wife Elizabeth in April 2007.

He said: “Meeting Elizabeth was certainly a major event for me. Looking back over my time, it’s been very happy.

“We have a good parish and social life. It’s a friendly community.”