A RECORD breaking Brightlingsea Town Regatta and Boat Show was enjoyed by thousands.

Crowds flocked to the two day event designed to give a boost to businesses and the community.

Rick Morgan, chairman of the organising committee, said: “Clubs, societies and businesses all get together and work together to show off their services.

“It is free to the public and we must have had 4,000 visitors on the Saturday alone.

“It benefits everyone in Brightlingsea and it has been fantastic.

“People give so much time to make it a success and everyone gets involved.

“People have even bought houses here in the past following the regatta and boat show because of the lovely place they see.

“The amount of sales this year has broken records.”

As well as stands and special events there was music, competitive and fun events on land and on water and lots of treats for children.

Several of the clubs and societies, such as the sailing club, have signed up new members and the committee are already thinking about the tenth anniversary next year.

Among the highlights was the appearance of the MTB Lotus Torpedo Boat used in World War Two and the use of boats first seen 135 years ago.

See today's Gazette for two pages of pictures.