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The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has fallen into a river while launching a drive to urge Londoners to volunteer.

While helping to clear up the River Pool in Lewisham, south-east London, he tripped and fell in, getting wet up to his chest before stumbling away.

Mr Johnson, who was helping remove litter and plants from the river, was aided to his feet by volunteers - one of whom jumped in after him.

He described his unexpected dip as "the ultimate sacrifice".

Mr Johnson said: "We have been out and about in London to discover the joys of volunteering.

"I think it is a fantastic thing to clean up our rivers.

"And of course in order to promote this to the max, I made the ultimate sacrifice - I decided to fall in, in a very spectacular way."

'Reap rewards'

Mr Johnson and members of the Quaggy Waterways Action Group, were removing litter and Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant species that prevents native vegetation and wildlife from thriving.

There are more than 8,500 volunteer organisations registered with London's network of volunteer centres - they estimate an additional 16,000 people sign up each year.

Mr Johnson earlier said: "Volunteering is good for individuals and great for London in tough economic times.

"By giving your time, whether a one-off few hours or a regular commitment, we can both help to make the capital a more civilised, pleasant place and reap the rewards of putting something back into the communities in which we live."

After the river clean-up the mayor launched a website containing a one-stop-shop of opportunities to give their help for free.

Pity there wasn't any volunteer piranhas close by... ::)

Soon to be featured on Have I Got News For You!

As long as Gordy doesn't get the push first!

As long as Gordy doesn't get the push first!
btw, another MP has gone.

How embarrassing!  :o

btw, another MP has gone.


Yes, Purnell...but more worryingly for Gordy, he directly insinuated that the PM has to go...

I predict that after the almost certain drubbing Labour are about to receive in the locals, the knives will be out in full force...

Yes, Purnell...but more worryingly for Gordy, he directly insinuated that the PM has to go...

I predict that after the almost certain drubbing Labour are about to receive in the locals, the knives will be out in full force...
GB calls a snap General Election next week, to catch Cameron un-aware?

GB calls a snap General Election next week, to catch Cameron un-aware?


Certainly out of character for Gordy to do that...

No, I reckon the party will ditch him before any election call...

Now we know Boris is uncoordinated.  He took it very well though, have to give him credit for that. :)

Does this mean he's all washed up?

Does this mean he's all washed up?


He looks it. ;D

I just saw the clip on 'Have I Got a Bit More...'

Everything that man does is hilarious - but the funniest of them all has to be the rugby tackle in the charity football match!

  Dangit...

I love Boris, he cracks me up.  ;D

I love Boris, he cracks me up.  ;D
Boris for PM ?

Boris for PM ?


At least we'd be amused rather than annoyed? But if he was PM we'd probably be both!!