Electric punts take to the water

There are now four electric punts on the River Thames

A boatbuilder has made it easier for tourists to muck about on the river by offering an electric alternative to the Thames' traditional punts.

Boatbuilder Damian Brown has built four fibreglass punts that can now be seen on the river at Newbridge, near Oxford.

Each of the boats boast five forward gears and one reverse and are powered by three heavy-duty batteries.

It takes 100 hours work to make each one but just 30 seconds to show people how to operate them.

Mr Brown said of the punts' popularity: "I think it's good to try something new and it's a different experience. It's got a bit of character."