LOCAL dignitaries enjoyed tasty treats at the annual fishing feast at Burrator recently.

The fishing feast has been taking place annually for many years at Burrator — it dates back to the late 16th century and the days of Sir Francis Drake.

In 1584, royal assent was granted to divert river water to provide water to what is now the city of Plymouth.

Although the event is held within the borough of West Devon, it is organised by Plymouth City Council in conjunction with South West Water.

The Lord Mayor of Plymouth and other councillors and officials from Plymouth City Council attended the ceremony at the head weir, where all attending drink two toasts.

The first toast is traditionally taken with water from the leat and drunk to ‘the pious memory of Sir Francis Drake’, followed by a second toast where a goblet of red wine is passed to all guests, starting with the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, with the toast: ‘May the descendants of him who first brought us water, never want wine.’