CONWY'S militia has been called to arms to repel an invasion of salty sea dogs and rescue the town's mayor.

Early morning rain failed to dampen the spirits of thousands of hearty visitors to the quay, bedecked in their best buccaneer finery, or the return of The Original Conwy Pirate Festival.

A hail of cannon fire greeted the raiders as they made their way ashore from the schooner 'Vilma', which sailed into the estuary, before the pirates captured the mayor of Conwy, cllr Goronwy Edwards and storming the castle in a brace of swashbuckling spectacles.

 Event organiser and chair of the Conwy Chamber of Trade said; "It was an absolutely fabulous weekend, definitely the biggest to date and the weather didn't affect the wonderful atmosphere on the quay.

"The pirate attack itself was fantastic, and having the The Anglesey Hussars militia here too was a wonderful addition.

"The mayor and custodian of the castle were really good sports too, and entered into the spirit of the festival on both days."

While there has been a pirate themed weekend in the town since 2012, this year's festival - the fourth organised by founder Mr Tunstall - this was the second year under its new name The Original Conwy Pirate Festival, after the Conwy Pirate Weekend was relocated to Rhos-on-Sea last year.

In addition to the staged battles opening both days, this year's event also featured a series of activities for children across the quay, as well as music fromfrom the Batala Drummers from Bangor and the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs.

Nautically themed entertainment was also provided throughout both days including belly dancing, the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs shanty singers, fire performers and magic and juggling.

Mr Tunstall added: "We're already onto planning next year';s festival, which is going to be even bigger and better."