PASSENGERS on the Shaldon ferry looked on in amazement as it was boarded by a trio of cutlass wielding sea dogs who forced the ticket collector to walk the plank in true piratical fashion.

Fortunately he was in no danger – the ferry was only a few feet from shore and the 'pirates' were members of Teignmouth Estuary Rotary Club in fancy dress promoting this weekend's river beach and harbour festival which they are organising at Teignmouth.

Geoff Dove, the president said: 'We needed a nautical theme to promote the festival, a