MALDON’S annual regatta returned to Hythe Quay.

The full day event, which featured a host of traditional and modern yachts racing up and down the River Blackwater took place on Saturday.

The day featured a series of races along the stretch of the river between West Mersea and Maldon Stalls.

Gerry Courtney, one of the organisers, said: “It was a great suc- cess considering the weather we had.

“We had a fantastic turnout with the crowds too, far more than we would have expected on such a windy and grey day. Maldon is very good at getting its coat on and braving the weather!

“All stalls at the quay reported good business, and we had the Plume School drumming band perform as well as the adult orchestra who were superb.”