LANDLUBBERS and sea-dogs flocked to Poole Quay to celebrate the life of the town’s most notorious resident – pirate Harry Paye.

The annual family fun day, run by the Pirates of Poole, boasted a host of aquatic activities including Cornish gig racing and the annual Fisherman’s Regatta.

For those who preferred terra firma, there were plenty of land-based activities to enjoy, taking place from midday until late Saturday night.

Poole Pirate Roger Laird said: “Everything went to plan and it was a brilliant day.

“We had thousands of people along the quay and we hope to have raised around £8,000 for charity.”

Two thirds of the money raised will be donated to the Poole Hospital charities, with the remainder boosting coffers at Lewis-Manning Hospice.

Roger said: “It was a bit windy, but it blew the clouds away for a while and we got blue skies.

“There was a big crowd gathering very early.”

Midday marked the start of the famous Parade of the Pirates, which wound its way from the Quay Thistle Hotel, along Old Orchard, down the Old High Street and finished on the quay.

The most swashbucklin’ day in the local calendar also coincided with Poole Afloat.

This free boating festival gave everyone the opportunity to try out a number of different craft, such as power boats, dinghies, RIBs and sailing yachts.

Roger said: “One of the highlights was live cannon firing. We even had the tall ship, Tenacious, on the quayside.”

Among the crowds gathered early on Saturday, was Michael Sansun, from Poole, and his young children.

He said: “We normally try to come along because it is such fun.

“Lets hope the weather doesn’t get too bad, but even if it rains, it won’t dampen too many spirits.”