Amateur radio operators communicated with countries as far as Russia as they transmitted from the Medway Queen.

The amateur radio operation, which was set up at Gillingham Pier, Pier Road, Gillingham, was designed to spread awareness of museums worldwide as part of International Museums Week.

The Medway-based operation was one of many around the UK to set up a small ham radio station and communicate with other radio amateurs around the world.

Kevin Richardson, who ran the station with his wife Debbie and 13-year old daughter Lauren, said: “Radio propagation conditions were not at their best but we were able to make contact with other amateur radio stations all over the UK, into Europe and as far as Russia.

“Under favourable conditions on past events we have made radio contacts around the world to Australia.

“The Medway Queen is one of our favourite locations to operate from. We really like having the opportunity to help support the vessel in a unique way.”

Kevin and Lauren will soon be operating their radio equipment from a canoe while paddling 150 miles along the River Thames and other inland waterways.