LOCALS in the tiny harbour of Porlock Weir pulled out all the stops to celebrate its nautical history and the national SeaBritain 2005 events. Huge numbers of people filled the quay last Sunday to enjoy a family fun day, which organisers had successfully managed to get highlighted on television by BBC Points West weatherman Richard Angwin. Old fashioned games, such as Spinning Jenny and Splat the Rat rubbed shoulders with more modern activities, including face painting, led by local artist Terry Gable, and pot painting by nursery nurse Linda Garner. A challenge to find buried treasure proved difficult, with the elusive unique paperweight designed and produced by Exmoor Glass finally being unearthed by local resident Royston Binding in the early evening. But the Golden Crab competition was a huge success as entrants of all ages fished for the weir's almost tame crab population. The Hooper family took the special trophy, again designed by Exmoor Glass, with an impressive catch of 109 crabs. Other attractions included a balloon race, organised by the Porlock Tourist Association, which was launched in the grip of a strong westerly wind. Postcards of Porlock were attached to the balloons in the hope of attracting more visitors to the area and a £50 prize will be awarded to the winner whose balloon travels the furthest. Entertainment throughout the special day was provided by The Cowardly Pirates and the Sea Gypsies, sponsored by ARTlife, who created a breathtaking spectacle dressed as mermaids and sea creatures. Impromptu singing by local film-maker Chris De Vere Hunt and friends was well received, while the barbecue run by Anchor Hotel staff Bobby Porter and Emma Edward - who gave up their day off to help out - went down a storm. A key element of the day's success was the decision to use Blue Motors to provide a park and ride scheme from Porlock, enabling more visitors and locals to attend. Porlock Visitor Centre manager Denise Sage said: "The event was really special. "My overriding impression was of the lovely feeling created by all the local people who pulled together on the day to make it such a memorable occasion and the fact that no child was heard to moan or parent to sound irate. "It was a genuinely very happy day." Proceeds from the fun day will go to an ongoing collection for local charities organised by local fisherman Derek Purvis, who opened a boat shed museum at the weir earlier this year. l Artist Terry Gable painted her own face before turning her attention to a fishy theme for four- year-old Rhiannon Jones. Photo: Steve Guscott.