A regatta steeped in more than a century’s tradition was enjoyed in Thorpeness this week.

More than 100 young entrants are reported to have taken part in this year’s Thorpeness Regatta, which was first held 101 years ago, and were said to have competed with a friendly ferocity for the prestigious trophies on offer.

Regatta committee chairman Mark Hopkins, 56, said it was a “very wet affair”.

“There’s been a great deal of camaraderie with people having lots of fun, but it’s also a very serious competition,” he added

“This is a very well established tradition, and I hope as the new chairman I continued with that tradition – it’s a marvellous institution and we are all very lucky to have the meare.”

Children younger than six took part in a variety of rowing, canoeing, punting and kayaking competitions over Thursday and Friday, culminating in a decorated float procession and firework display last night.

The regatta attracts families from all over the UK, with many such as Mr Hopkins’, returning year on year for their annual holidays in Suffolk.

It has been held since Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie first transformed Thorpeness into his holiday wonderland, with its kitsch architecture, iconic House in the Clouds and boating lake with allusions to Peter Pan.