Despite floods and winter weather, business is smooth sailing for a boat hire company that advertised through the Richmond Card.

Richmond Boat hire offered a 50 per cent discount on boats hired for more than an hour through the card, which Richmond Council relaunched last month.

Stakeholder Mark Edwards said the Richmond Bridge based business has received a raft of bookings for spring.

He said: “It’s quite simply amazing that we have received any enquiries at all in January and we’re certain the early customer interest is entirely down to advertising through the Richmond Card.

“No boat hire company operates in winter – our season begins in March and ends in October, so all the signs are there for an amazing business year for us.”

About 120 Richmond-based businesses provide more than 161 offers and discounts through the Richmond Card and Mr Edwards urged more people to get involved.

The card also offers the previous parking card and parking discounts, library membership, and the opportunity to join local sports and fitness centres.

For information, visit richmond.gov.uk/richmondcard.