There was plenty of sun, fun and even a greasy pole (weighing a tonne) in Seaview last week, as the country's longest-running regatta made a welcome return to the Isle of Wight village.

First established in 1853, the event sees competitors — young and old — take part in a variety of activities across three days.

From shore sports and tug of war, to swimming and diving, there was fun to be had on land and on the water.

Among the traditional activities making a return this year was the ever-popular greasy pole.

Stretching five-metres and dangling from a slipway over the water, competitors were tasked with getting as far along the pole as possible, without falling off.

To make it even more difficult, it was greased with fairy liquid.

Unusually a brother and sister combination, Will and Megan Loach, won in this year's event.

Every year the regatta has a different president and this year, Piers Thomas was chosen.

Piers, whose father was president in 1982 and whose mother was president in 2001, said: "It's a really unique event. It's a mix of competitors, spectators, volunteers and event managers.

"You couldn't buy this event. You couldn't create this event now.

"It's ok to fail among friends here. People love it and come back year on year."

Across the three-days, hundreds of people turned out and 110 silver cups were given to competitors of all ages.

Eight-year-olds Jessie Hunter and John Blackett were the among the youngest winners at the regatta, for sea swimming a 25-metre course.

Piers said the event is about putting smiles on people's faces: "An eight-year-old boy and girl won a cup each.

"That's memories in the making."

The youngest rowing champion was eight-year-old Jake Pinkster, while Max de Laszlo, aged 13, won the Optimist racing.

In the diving, James Bannister who turned 50 in June, was among the winners. He beat off competition, including from his own children, in the ladies and gents 15 and over category.

Despite the bad weather, Seaview Regatta culiminated with an impressive fireworks display on Thursday, August 17.

Next year’s event takes place on August 13, 14 and 15, and the president will be Josh Bottomley.