The annual inspection of the River Dee has been carried out by Lord Mayor of Chester Hugo Deynem.

Councillor Deynem, as Lord Mayor, is also Admiral of the River Dee, a title which dates back to 1354 when admiralty powers were granted to the Lord Mayor of Chester by the Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, the eldest son of King Edward III and Philippa of Hainault.

Joining the Lord Mayor on the Mark Twain boat were local ward councillors, representatives from the Royal Navy, a retired rear admiral, a local sea cadet and regulatory services officers from the council.

The admiralty title was one way for the King to increase income to the royal coffers as any duty and taxes from river users would have gone to the Admiral and passed on to the royal purse.

There are 23 Lord Mayors in England but there are only three Admirals including the Lord Mayor of Hull, Lord Mayor of London and Lord Mayor of Chester.

The annual ceremonial inspection is carried out to parts of the river and its banks that are the responsibility of the council so that any issues can be addressed.

Councillor Razia Daniels, Petty Officer John Keatley, Marine Cadet Tom Francis, Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Dee Councillor Hugo Deynem, Lady Mayoress Deb Deynem, Commodore Gary Doyle, Rear Admiral (Retd) Jeremy Larken, Councillor Martyn Delaney, and Helen Shannon

When on the river, the admiral of the Dee is accompanied by a miniature silver oar which is said to have been presented to the Lord Mayor in the 17th century and is called the Water Bailiff’s Oar.

Councillor Deynem said: “I was very proud to carry out the ceremony and it is a great honour to evoke the title of Admiral of the Dee, which dates back to the 1350’s.

Chester at that time was second to the River Thames as a busy port and this was one way for the King to increase income paid as duty and taxes from river users. Some of the main exports loaded at Chester were cheese, candles and salt.

“During the inspection we take the opportunity to inspect parts of the river that are the council’s responsibility.”

The inspection is a ceremonial duty only. Cheshire West and Chester Council carry out regular checks of the river by boat.