A swashbuckling time was certainly had by all as eye patches and cutlasses became the must-have accessories during the first Wells Pirate Festival.

From the moment the Jolly Roger was hoisted on the Albatros on the Quay to kick off the three-day event, the town was awash with a whole host of events.

Youngsters from the local primary school sang the Drunken Sailor to get the festival under way and among the other activities were pirate films, a smugglers' ball, a special market and fete, themed music, a pub crawl, a hungover car booty sale, a tug of war and boat trips.

Shops and businesses got in to the spirit and among the treats offered to visitors were chocolate cannon balls and Dead Man's Fingers.

Pirate re-enactors travelled up from the Isle of Wight to take part and fire cannons to add some drama.

The festival attracted visitors from as far afield as Bristol and Scotland and it was organised by the Wells Maltings Project.

The project development manager Becky Jefcoate – aka Captain Bladderwrack – said: 'It has been a big success and we have had lots of pirates out in the town.

'It has put the Maltings project on the map and for the first year we have had the festival we have done really well and people have got on board.'

She said there had been a lot of fun and also the chance for some more serious events including teaching people about the history of pirates.

The Jolly Roger was taken down last night to end the festival – but people will be able to join in celebrating pirates across the area as today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day.