Crowds lined the harbour and pier to watch the colourfully-decorated trawlers head out to sea for a popular charity race.

The annual Maryport Trawler Race has been running for more than 30 years, but current organiser Gary Hampson has been involved for at least decade.

This year saw 11 vessels head out to take part in yesterday's race, which - when the sun is shining - is always a popular attraction for families.

"The forecast strong winds meant we had no visiting boats this year," Gary, 27, explained. "We brought the start time forward an hour because of the forecast, and set off in bright sunshine.

"The piers and harbour walls were filled with people. There's nothing better than going through the harbour to see the hundreds of people lining the keyside and the piers.

"It's a picture on its own."

The boats were festooned with flags and decorations, with crew members also dressing up for the occasion.

The first place trophy was awarded to Sid Miller with the Aluna, while the prize for best-dressed crew went to George Southwell and the crew of the Samlewette who were Ghostbusters.

Gary, a Sellafield worker, continued: "The best-dressed boat was awarded to Shawn Humphries and the Chelaris.

"It was decorated to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder among soldiers, with flags and poppies. People had sponsored the poppies, so he could raise money for that charity too."

The event itself sees spectators and participants alike dig deep to donate to charity. Every year half the money is donated to the Maryport Inshore Rescue team, with the other given to a charity of the skippers' choosing.

This year they chose to donate to Maryport Cottage Hospital in light of the Save Our Beds campaign, to prevent beds being removed.

The exact total has yet to be finalised, but Gary hopes it will be close to £2,000.

He thanked sponsors MPM Northwest, Cavendish Nuclear, Forth Engineering, Maryport Harbour Authority, Derwent Fluid Power, Mike Taylor Printing Services and Firpress Printers, saying without them the event would not be able to take place.