[ Concerns over flooding discussed ]

About 100 people attended a conference looking at the challenges facing the River Thames in the 21st Century.

The annual conference tackles themes that reflect current concerns affecting the river.

This year climate change, flooding and waterways management were top of the the agenda.

The meeting, organised by the River Thames Society, was held in Shiplake College, Henley-on-Thames, with MP Theresa May one of the guest speakers.

Chairman of the River Thames Society Peter Finch said it was vital to try to predict the effects of climate change.

"We want to find out whether the structures we have got in place to deal with flooding are adequate, and if not, what we can do to improve them."

Mrs May said: "If we can improve the whole issue on planning development along flood plains, that will have a beneficial effect in terms of flooding in the future."

Originally published December 17, 2008 - www.bbc.co.uk