Man the barricades: Pirates invade Royston

Almost 500 young pirates sailed the seven seas before docking their vessels at 53 High Street, Royston on Saturday for a swash-buckling fun-day around the town.

Pirate Day featured entertainment such as walk-the-plank, pirate craft activities, badge making and pirate glitter tattoos.

There was also a fancy-dress competition and a pirate treasure trail for revellers to get stuck into.

Participants were given a treasure map and clues which led them around the town centre to discover hidden treasure in the shops.

Town manager Geraint Burnell, speaking on behalf of Royston First who organised the event, said: “Once again the apparent desire of Roystonians to dress up as pirates brought more than 1,000 people into our town centre on Saturday.

“It was obvious to me that everyone was having a pretty good time, and certainly the numbers participating in the craft activities supported this.”

The fancy-dress photo gallery will be displayed in the window of empty shop 53 High Street for the next couple of weeks.

During that time, Mayor of Royston, Councillor Ben Lewis, will select the winner of the best costume and award the coveted prize of a pirate chest stuffed with pirate goodies to the lucky champion.