SHIVER me Timbers and Splice the Mainbrace - the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust has laid on a special summer treat for children.

The Trust invited local youngsters to come dressed as pirates ready to join the crew aboard its pirate galleon Barbarella.

The mischief-making cruise departed at 2pm from the Bradford on Avon Wharf to Hilperton and back with no-one being forced to walk the gangplank.

And the reason was that responsible adults were on hand to make sure that everyone had a good time and returned home safely.

Boat manager Chris Churchouse said: “We had 16 children turn up, all of them dressed as pirates and it went extremely well. All the children really enjoyed it.”

All the children were handed a certificate as they disembarked and while on board enjoyed pirate’s grog (apple juice) and ship’s biscuits.

The trust is planning similar cruises throughout the summer on 1, 8, 15 and 22 August. Tickets cost £7 per pirate (adult or child).

To book places go to: https://tickets.katrust.org.uk/index.php, or call the pirates secret hideout on 01380 721279. Alternatively call in at the Wharf Tea Rooms, Bradford on Avon, on the day of the trip.

But don’t be late on the day or else you’ll miss out on finding the treasure!