A couple from Golders Green will sail down the river Thames as part of the Queen’s diamond jubilee pageant.

John Harmer and his wife Colleen have been chosen to take part in the celebration aboard their boat, Absolute Zero, on Sunday, June 3.

Mr Harmer, 57, said: “We’re absolutely privileged. We’re going to have a ball – this is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

It will be all hands on deck for the Harmer family who will be joined by their son, Jonathan, daughter Samantha and their grandchildren, JJ, four, and Marieanne, two.

Hoping they would be picked for the special occasion, the family has been practising for the pageant since last year and will take part in their fourth formal rehearsal in April.

Mr Harmer, who is commodore of the Thames Motor Yacht Club, said: “Prior to the event we will be getting the boat ready, carrying out engine maintenance and checks, just as we would when making Channel crossings for European destinations.

"However, this time the family will be helping out with extra cleaning and polishing duties to ensure everything will be ship shape for the Queen.

“When we let go of our anchor at Hammersmith Reach we will get into a line of four boats abreast and sail down the Thames.

“About 800 boats will sail past the Queen, and we’ll all wave and toot our horns. It will be an incredible spectacle.”