The Gravesend to Tilbury ferry had a special guest captain this week, when a former Conservative MP took to its bridge.

Michael Portillo was filming on the ferry as part of his Great British Railway Journeys series on BBC Two.

The broadcaster was visiting to discuss the train service that used to run to the West Street Pier, linking up trains with ships on the river.

Mr Portillo, dapper in a bright pink blazer, had a go at completing the ferry’s return journey from Tilbury to Gravesend yesterday evening, under the watchful eye of G&T Ferry owner John Potter.

Mr Portillo said: “Under very expert guidance I steered the ship.

“It’s quite complicated because you’ve got to take it over the tide, so you’ve got to take it in a large S shape in order to bring it alongside the pontoon.”