More than 200 fellows, members and guests of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers marked the golden jubilee of the organisation's Southampton branch with a dinner.

Guest of honour at the event held at Southampton's De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, was Lord Sterling, chairman of P&O and one of the most influential names in British shipping.

Derek Herd, chairman of the Southampton branch proposed the toast to the guests while Anthony Cooke, the Institute's president, proposed the toast to the organisation in the city.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers represents all aspects of the shipping business and includes in its membership not only shipbrokers but owners, charterers, agents, forwarders and other professionals.

Founded in 1911, the organisation with more 3,500 members across the globe provides education to the shipping profession through its TutorShip programme that prepares students for the Institute's qualifying examinations.

An Institute spokesman said: "In addition, TutorShip has been meeting the demands from industry to provide training courses for specific purposes especially to assist those just embarking on a career in shipping business or working in support departments in shipping offices or engaged in commerce which interfaces with shipping.''