Southwold boating lake was over-run by swashbucklers and brigands when more than 40 young pirates invaded for the day.

Youngsters sporting eye patches and black beards descended on the lake to enjoy an afternoon of fun and raise money for the Sole Bay Care Fund.

With imitation swords in hand, the budding buccaneers took part in games and competitions before plundering their pirate-themed lunch boxes.

The Mayor of Southwold Simon Tobin was on hand to welcome them and handed out the prize for the best-dressed pirate.

The pirate flag the Jolly Roger flew over the boating lake during the event, which raised £300.

Southwold-based community matron Cathy Ryan, founder of the Sole Bay Care Fund, said: 'It was the first time we have done it and the response was great, especially as it was quite windy and that will have had a detrimental effect on numbers. We had a treasure hunt, a 'splat the rat' game and a competition to hunt the square to win a ride on the Coastal Voyager.

'There was also walking the

plank, where the pirates were blindfolded and had to walk along a plank on the floor.

'We also had a duck race where

the children were in paddle boats and we released plastic ducks in to the water and the children had to

try and gather up as many ducks as they could. It was great. The kids really enjoyed it and had great fun

dressing up.'

Ms Ryan also thanked the boating

lake's owners David and Penny

Ball for their help in staging the pirate party.

? Sole Bay Care Fund provides care and resources to help patients of Southwold Surgery remain at home, or as near to home as possible, instead of being sent to hospital.

For more inform-tion and details of forthcoming fund-raising events, visit its page on Facebook.