THE PIRATES of Poole celebrated the 600th anniversary of their hero in style on Saturday.

Hundreds of people packed Poole Quay, despite windy and rainy conditions, to mark Harry Paye Day.

Visitors enjoyed traditional fairground rides and carnival games, living history areas and live music.

But it was the midday pirate parade along the quayside which pulled the largest crowds.

Michael Wakelin, from Bournemouth, told the Daily Echo: "We always try to get along to this event, its for a great cause and it celebrates a genuine historic link Poole has to Harry.

"Also, it is always a pleasure to go pirate for the day."

Another visitor to the event, Maria O'Brien said: "It is a bit on the windy side, but I guess old Harry didn't complain about the weather in his day.

"It is nice that money will be going to charity as well."

This year The Pirates of Poole are raising funds for the Youth Cancer Trust, Dorset Children's Foundation and Staffie & Stray Rescue.

Liz Brown, of the Pirates of Poole, said: "We would be rubbish pirates if we complained about a bit of rain wouldn't we?

"It is actually the 600th anniversary of Harry's death this year."

Harry Paye was a privateer or pirate in the late 1300s and into the 1400s. He fought for king and country, causing havoc to French, Dutch and Spanish ships and fleets but sometimes commandeered any ship he came across. His home was Poole but he sailed up and down the coast and lies buried in Kent.

Saturday's event in Poole also boasted musket and cannon displays, and even a mock pirate trial.

Liz said: "We are going to try a Spanish pirate."