THE sun came out and brought with it hundreds of visitors to Looe over last weekend for the annual Festival by the Sea.

The weekend focussed on local restaurants, cafes and eateries which provided 20 stalls along the quaysides with tempting dishes for visitors to sample, and the fun-filled raft race on the Sunday.

There was also music and dancing, the Voluntary Marine Conservation Group showing children how to make sea creatures and handle crabs correctly, and the RNLI ran a stall.

The raft race, organised by Looe Boat Owners Association (LBOA) on the Sunday, was held to raise funds for Looe RNLI, with more than £1,400 being raised.

A total of 36 rafts – double the entries of last year – included 29 adult and seven children's rafts, and a total of 226 rafters. They launched from East Looe beach and raced around the Banjo Pier and up through the harbour, turning at Looe Bridge to return to the RNLI lifeboat station.

Hannafore, East and West Looe quays were packed with cheering people to view the spectacle. Rafts ranged from the sleek and speedy craft of raft race stalwarts Ambrosia, down to the downright wacky Tom Sawyers' Tavern raft, which turned out to be semi-submersible!

Wrigley UK and Jays Removals of Cornwall donated the trophies and prizes were presented by Jeff Penhaligon, Looe harbourmaster.

Dave Peat, president of LBOA and clerk of the course, said: 'I am delighted with the turnout and the level of support from such a large number of people in the town. This was Looe at its best and the spectacle was truly impressive.'

Cornwall councillor Edwina Hannaford said: 'The weekend was a magnificent success blessed by very welcome sunshine. This year is proving a tough year for traders so the festival was a welcome boost.'