Henley is known for its Royal Regatta which sees elite rowers from around the world take to the water and race to victory.

But yesterday crowds gathered to watch a different type of boat take to the River Thames.

A fleet of amphibious vehicles entered the Oxfordshire water as part of the annual Traditional Boat Festival.

As they work on both land and water, the amphibious vehicles stunned audiences by launching into the river.

One army green car in the water had an extra special crew member – a dog.

An army green amphibious vehicle makes its way down the River Thames with a dog onboard

A 4WD Dutton Surf amphibious car moves through the water with its driver wearing a classy striped blazer at the wheel

The Traditional Boat Festival took place in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

The event dates back to the 1970s when a group of boat owners were concerned about the demise of unpowered craft ‘seen neglected and rotting along the River Thames’.

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Awards for vintage and classic, as well as military and amphibious were introduced – and are still keenly fought for.

Nowadays the event also includes a dog show and an air display team.

Some of the earliest known amphibious vehicles date back to the 18th century.

But the unique mode of transport was further developed during World War II.

One of the most significant amphibious cars to come out of the war was the landing vehicle tracked, or the LVT – a tractor developed for the US Marine Corps.

The LVT began its operational life as little more than a floating truck, according to Britannica.

Crowds watch on in awe as the blue amphibious vehicle effortlessly drives onto land after sailing down the river as part of the Traditional Boat Festival

A couple sit  in the back of their amphibious car as they make their way down the Thames

The driver (or captain) expertly manoeuvers the motor as the car heads under a bridge

Two more amphibious vehicles race down the river as passers-by watch from the banks

A couple race through the water in their vintage red amphibious car decorated with a British flag

A man sits behind the wheel of his amphibious vehicle. A rubber duck dressed as a sailor sits on his dashboard

The amphibious vehicles on display at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival were  slightly more advanced.

One man drove (or captained) a Dutton Surf – capable of reaching a top speed of five knots on the water.