Eye patches at the ready! Everyone is invited to let out their inner pirate at fun day in Royston town centre on Saturday.

The popular annual event is run by professional ‘pirates’ who have organised a host of activities to keep all budding shipmates entertained, including face painting, walk the plank, make your own pirate badges and treasure chests, a meet-and-greet with Pete the Pirate, and more.

Pirates also won’t want to miss the treasure trail, complete with treasure map and clues which will lead them around the town centre to discover the hidden treasure in the shops.

Royston town manager Geraint Burnell is looking forward to the day.

“At last year’s event, Royston was swarming with pirates,” he said.

“We distributed an astonishing total of 1529 items – ranging from treasure maps to chocolate gold coins.

“This year we’ve added some new craft events such as face painting, whilst bringing back the favourites from last year, so there’s plenty to occupy small people on a family day out to Royston which might also include sampling the shops, restaurants and play facilities available in the town centre – Enjoy!”

Visitors are also encouraged to don their best rags, eyepatches and parrots on shoulders for the fancy dress competition, with shots going into the events photo gallery.

All activities are free for children of all ages and will be spread throughout the day. Parents will need to accompany children at all times – including on the treasure trail.

The fun and frolics will be based from a lair in 53 High Street, opposite the end of Angel Pavement, from 10am to 4pm.