FUNDING was raised for local charities when pirates invaded West Bay over the bank holiday weekend.

The annual pirates day returned to West Bay - as locals and visitors enjoyed a host of activities, food and drink in the sunshine.

Organisers were keen to bring pirates back to West Bay this year following last year's successful event - with hundreds of prizes handed out to youngsters on Sunday.

There was no fancy dress competition this year, but youngsters were able to enjoy pirate games including splat the rat, walk the plank and hook a duck.

Sylvia Stafford, chairman of West Bay Days, the group which organises the event, was pleased with the success of the pirate day.

She said: "It was a really great day and it all went really well.

"We are so pleased and grateful for all the support that we have had for this and it really was a successful event.

"The children loved walking the plank and other pirate games, and especially choosing their prizes from the hundreds on offer.

"The new West Bay Days Café in the Salt House was an instant success with its delicious home-made cakes. The café will be back again on West Bay Day, on Sunday, August 7."

Organisers have not yet tallied up how much money the event raised - but Mrs Stafford is pleased donations will "help fill the treasure chest" of charities the group support.

Money will be donated to Bridport Youth Football Club, Bridport Barracudas - as well as Greenhills and West Bay Women's Institute. All of these local groups provided volunteers to help at the event.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Tracey Howard, Graham Phillips, Tony Bunyan, Chelsea Poole, Ben Lawson and Monica Phillips

Mrs Stafford added: "The organisers would like to thank their beneficiaries, volunteers, and sponsors for all their help and support."

West Bay Days was formed in 2012 and is made up of volunteers who organise and support events for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area.

For more information about the group, please visit westbay.org.uk