A flotilla of protesting fishermen sailed past Gravesend but without their 'captain' at the helm.

Brexit campaigner and Ukip leader Nigel Farage had announced he would lead the fleet up the River Thames to the Palace of Westminster.

However, although he was not onboard for 'anchors away', he joined the 'Fishing to Leave' campaign boats further up river at Tower Bridge.

It was here that the flotilla of about 30 boats was met by 'IN' banners draped across the bridge and a vessel carrying Kent's Bob Geldof.

According to the Evening Standard, the Boomtown Rats frontman had armed himself with a huge sound system and blasted songs including Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now".

The Brexit fleet was said to have retaliated by firing water from a hose.

The fishermen were protesting at fishing quotas set by the European Union. Their boats were adorned with banners proclaiming "Save Our Country", "Let's Flourish Great and Free" and "Has Fish Had It's Chips?"

It set sail from Ramsgate and Southend in the early hours, before passing Gravesend at 7.30am to be cheered on from Gordon Promenade by Gravesham Brexit supporters.

In an earlier interview with LBC Radio, Mr Farage said the flotilla would be "big, visual and dramatic", with a clear message.

"We want our waters back," he said.

Photographer Jason Arthur, from Gravesend, captured the flotilla off Tilbury landing dock, but there was no sight of Mr Farage through his camera lens.

The boats arrived outside Parliament at 12.30pm, ahead of the final Prime Minister's questions before the referendum vote next Thursday.