LYDNEY Yacht Club's annual rally and open day was a great success with more than 40 boats arriving at the harbour.

The rally was held in conjunction with Lydney Festival at the Docks which saw a number of local acts perform.

The event was opened by musician Dick Brice who also judged the best dressed boat competition. The winner was a former lifeboat called The Chieftain.

Among the attractions were rowing trips with a crew from Lydney-based sea cadets of TS Royal Forest.

There was also an opportunity to chat with coastguards who are based at Beachley.

Club commodore Susan Pearson said: "The event was a great success with over 40 visiting boats, in the harbour.

"The first of the visiting boats arrived on Friday morning with the majority arriving on Friday evening or Saturday morning and the final ones arriving on Saturday evening."

Just after the visitors had sailed home on the high tide, the "Sea Sunday" service was held at the harbour.

The well-attended service was led by Rev Suzanne Grindod, the curate at St Mary's Church, Lydney.

Suitable hymns were accompanied by the Lydney Training Band and sea cadets and members of the Royal Naval Association spoke.

Members of the local ministry team acted out the story of Jonah and the whale and a collection was taken in aid of the Mission to Seafarers.