A SPECTACULAR day of watersports was enjoyed by the throngs of people lining the quay side at the Bere Ferrers Watersports Day on Saturday.

Grey skies did not deter visitors from taking part in fun games, browsing stalls, tucking into refreshments, or sampling the day long bar, lamb roast and barbecue.

In the children's crab catching competition, Ellen Jenkins caught the heaviest for the third year running, while the most caught and released was 29. Pony trap rides proved popular with adults and children alike.

Team games such as the greasy pole, chariot race, spiders web, rain stick and canoe pull were hilarious for both spectators and participants — who were either caked in mud or soaked to the skin. The overall winners of the team games were 'Saturday Night Fever', with 'Moose Truce' second and 'The Monkeys' third.

Two tests of endurance were introduced this year, a tractor pulling contest which The Daves won, closely followed by The Cooks and Adam Musgrave's team.

'Escape from Bere Ferrers' was the brainwave of Marcel and Tilly Kelly. Contestants pedalled frantically on an exercise bike seeing how far they could get in one minute. Roberto won the adult class reaching 'Leaches' a distance of 1.2 kilometres.

The Under-15 section was won by Steve with a distance of 0.95 kilometres.

An unexpected diversion occurred when a car was almost swamped by the incoming tide, but disaster was avoided as it was rescued by the owner just in time.

Christine and Michael Poole won the Regatta in their Mirror with Marie and John Harrison coming second.

The watersports day was opened by Cllr Christine Grills who presented the prizes in the grand draw prior to an evening of live music.

New band CO2 consisting of local teenagers opened up, followed by Mark Henderson, with the main act the Glam Rock Band, back by popular demand.

Finally the watersports came to an end with a spectacular fireworks display, a fitting end to a fun-filled day.

The organiser would like to thank everyone who supported the event, particularly the numerous sponsors.