TWO trial trips of a Thames Clipper Uberboat service from Tilbury to London next month have sold out.

The two return journeys, leaving Tilbury at 9.45am and 10am respectively and returning from London Bridge at 5.30pm, will take place on Saturay, 7 August and Saturday, 14 August.

It will take 40 minutes to reach Greenwich Peninsula (North Greenwich Pier), or 60 minutes to London Bridge on the boat which contains a licensed onboard café bar.

It is hoped the two journeys will be a forerunner of a regular service by Uberboat into London from Tilbury.

Sean Collins, CEO and co-founder, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers said: "We remain committed to growing the River Bus network in London and further east. We want as many residents as possible to realise the benefits of travelling by river in and out of London, in terms of speed, comfort and frequency.

"We are optimistic about the volume of passengers opting to use this special leisure service, and we hope soon to be able to offer this additional transport link permanently to Gravesend and Tilbury."

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "I welcome the River Bus service. It provides excellent access to the city and a great day for residents of all ages to enjoy. River transport is a fantastic option for Thurrock, reconnecting our towns to the river and thanks to the government's £22.8million Town Fund investment in Tilbury which includes plans for a new docking station, this could be the future for travel in our borough."