Ellesmere Regatta in pictures

Geoff Corfield, chairman of the regatta and president of Ellesmere Rotary Club, said: "We've had an absolutely magnificent afternoon. It's the biggest event we've ever put on and everyone has come out to enjoy the sun.

"We believed there's between 2,000 and 3,000 people here."

He added: "There was a Norman re-enactment, which really got the crowds going, as well as maypole dancing by children from the local primary school."

Proceeds from yesterday's event will go to the Stroke Association.