Fears have been raised that craft which follow the Boat Race teams along the Thames could catch fire during the annual contest.

The Port of London Authority, which is responsible for safety on the river, has said some of the older wooden craft that follow the Oxford and Cambridge teams along the river do not meet fire safety standards.

It said the petrol engines in some wooden craft could catch light.

The authority has informed boat owners they must comply with requirements before next year's race.

This year's contest takes place on Sunday, April 2.

Chas Newens, whose company supplies launches to the race, told The Daily Telegraph: "We'll need new engines but also new propellers, fittings, fuel tank. 

"Everything has to be changed. It's going to cost £30,000 a boat. We cannot afford this money."

The boat race has been contested since 1829, and since 1856 as an annual event.

Cambridge are the reigning champions after defeating Oxford last year for the first time since 2012.