STOURPORT Canal Basins were taken over by pirates as the town hosted the annual Pirates Day - an afternoon of pirate games and competitions.

Visitors attended the event dressed as pirates and took part in activities including walk the plank, ring the parrot and the search for buried treasure in Tontine Garden.

Many families completed the pirate town trial, where they had to hunt for Pirate Ted and his crew in shop windows to gather clues to form a pirate word and then claim their share of the Pirate Captain’s treasure of chocolate gold coins.

Pauline Annis, chairman of Stourport Forward, organisers of the event, said: “It was a lovely afternoon.

“We are so grateful to all the families who came along and joined in the fun, especially to those who came in costume.

“It was a great atmosphere and many people commented on how much they had enjoyed the event.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all our volunteers, who helped to make it another fantastic Pirates Day.”

Liz Sheerin, manager of Stourport Forward, said: “It was wonderful to see the Tontine Garden taken over by pirates and a steady flow of pirates and families completing the pirate town trail and the pirate games.

“We saw some fantastic costumes and met some very scary pirates. I hope they will all come back to share another Pirates Day next year.”

During the day, shopkeepers around the town took part in a pirate-themed window display competition, where they were judged on the best-dressed display.

Theresa Fallon of Vintage Vanity, in York Street, won the competition and received the first prize of £100.

Mrs Sheerin said: “There were some great pirate displays entered into the window competition.

“We would like to congratulate Vintage Vanity and thank the Mayor of Stourport, Cliff Brewer, and his consort, Stephanie Brewer, who judged the competition.

“We would also like to thank Stourport Town Centre Forum, who donated the £100 prize.”