Royston Crow: Philip Naylon with his new pal at Royston's Pirate Day. Picture: Clive PorterPhilip Naylon with his new pal at Royston's Pirate Day. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of children got to dress up as their pirate alter-egos and take part in a day of activities in Royston fit for sea dogs and landlubbers alike. The town centre was overrun with young pirates on Saturday who got to walk the plank, make pirate popcorn mayhem and get their faces painted.

The day was organised by Royston First, which created a treasure hunt where a map and clues were provided to guide young buccaneers around the town centre to find the hidden treasure.

Royston Crow: Daisy Collen on Pirate Day. Picture: Clive PorterDaisy Collen on Pirate Day. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Archant)

Entries for a fancy dress competition at Retail Revival were 50 per cent up on last year, with the average footfall in the town centre increased by more than 1,000 during the event.

Town centre manager Geraint Burnell, speaking on behalf of Royston First, said: “Once again we were lucky with the weather – with only the odd spot of rain. The standard of fancy dress seems to improve every time – I doubt if real pirates were dressed half as well!

Royston Crow: Iona Adams having her face painted. Picture: Clive PorterIona Adams having her face painted. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Archant)

“Each year we cater for increased numbers – and every time we come close to running out of handouts (my four-year-old informed me that the goody bags were ‘the best’). All-in-all, a good day for Royston.”

The fancy dress photo gallery of 84 will be judged by Royston mayor Vera Swallow, who will select the wearer of the best costume and award the prize of a pirate chest stuffed with goodies.

For more on Royston First, which regularly organises events and initiatives in town, go to www.roystonfirst.com.