BUCKETS, lines and plenty of bait were essential tools for competitors who took part in a fishing challenge at Porlock Weir.

The village hosted the first Exmoor World Championship Crabbing Competition and the tally of caught crabs at the end of the event forced organisers to admit they never knew there were so many of the crustaceans in that part of the Bristol Channel.

In all a total of 2,135 crabs were hooked in just an hour.

And the championship title went to local resident and National Trust ranger Rob Manicom and his family, who between them caught 180 crabs.

"It was a resounding success," said a spokesman for the organisers.

"I haven't seen the weir so busy for a long time.

"It was a real old fashioned fun afternoon and one man from Bristol told us that it was the best afternoon he's ever had with his children."

The winners went home with a Bristol Blue Glass trophy.

The event was part of the Exmoor Coastal Festival, a series of sea-themed events which included activities ranging from duck racing and sea shanty performances to kayaking and an exhibition of art at locations from Ilfracombe to Watchet.

Photos: Maureen Harvey