THE sounds of pirate radio washed across Harwich for a special celebratory weekend.

Radio Mi Amigo broadcasted live from the LV18 lightship at Harwich Quay to mark 50 years since offshore pirate station, Radio Caroline, began transmitting pop music just off the coast.

For four days DJ's played hits from the 60s and 70s, 24 hours a day, on 106.8 fm and on the internet includung a rock and roll show with Emperor Rosko and a two hour Elvis special with Tony Prince.

Visitors were also welcomed onboard the lightship turned studio.

LV18 trustee and station manager, Tony O'Neil said: "The town was packed with visitors and we had to enlist extra volunteers to cope with the additional footfall on the vessel."

More information about the LV18 can be found at www.lv18.org