Oxford boat hire companies say business is booming, as new figures reveal 17 per cent more boaters on the River Thames this year compared to last.

The Environment Agency said boat licence figures showed 1,273 motorised boats using the river in the first six months of the year -- 189 more than the same period in 2003.

The number of small crafts, such as canoes and rowing boats, also increased by four per cent, from 4,028 to 4,202, according to figures compiled by lock keepers.

Spokesman Madeline Leahu said the Environment Agency, which looks after the River Thames in Oxfordshire, was expecting the "upward trend" to continue.

It has now upgraded its website, www.visitthames.co.uk, to give details of days out and places to visit along the Thames.

Ms Leahu said: "The River Thames seems to be the place to be.

"Outside London, the rural river has been buzzing with a mini boating renaissance.

"It's hard to say why there has been this increase, but we are expecting the figures for the second half of the year, including the busy July and August months, to continue climbing."

Salter's Steamers, based at Folly Bridge, Oxford, said private hire bookings -- usually for occasions such as wedding receptions or birthdays -- had increased by 25 per cent this year, compared to last.

The company, which has been based in Oxford since 1858, said scheduled trip bookings, from hourly trips to charters from Oxford to Abingdon, were also up by 10 per cent.

Co-director Neil Kinch said: "We are definitely much busier than last year."

He added: "We have had some really good weather, but there has also been bad weather, so it can't just be put down to that."

Giles Dobson, 25, of Oxford River Cruises, launched in May, said: "Things are going so well I'm planning to extend the season from September to October, or even early November."