The return of the traditional regatta, which was last staged in the 1930s, was the brainchild of the outgoing Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Michael Jones.

He proposed reviving the event as a means of celebrating the millennium and to continue his mayoral pledge to encourage greater recreational use of the Thames.

He officially launched the regatta by unveiling a commemorative plaque to Douglas Tough, honouring his role in the Dunkirk evacuation.

Mr Tough assembled a fleet of 100 small ships at his Teddington boat yard before travelling to France to rescue British troops from the beaches of Dunkirk.

The event came the day before the official disbanding of the Dunkirk Veterans Association.

Spectators lined the bank of the river and scrambled on to the bridge crossing Teddington Lock to gain a better view of the regatta races.

Teams of three took to the water to compete in the skiff challenges. Among the contestants were Gladiators Rhino, Hunter and Rio, who starred in the popular television contest. They lined up against the professional Watermen

On shore, entertainment was provided by the Metronome Barber Shop Singers, and the Village Green Stompers performed a rendition of jazz favourites.

The day was rounded off with a charity dinner at the Teddington Wharf restaurant. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the mayor's charity the Environment Trust for Richmond-upon-Thames.

Councillor Michael Jones said it had been an enormous task to revive the regatta and he thanked everyone for their help and support on the day.

He said: "I would like to thank everyone for contributing to such a successful day.

"The whole day was a great finale to my mayoral year and I am grateful for all the support that I have had."