SHANTY festival organisers held a musical session for seadogs where bands sang hearty shanty songs.

The event was an initiative between the organisers behind Harwich International Shanty Festival and the Pier Hotel, in Harwich, which was inspired by the success of the Summer Shanties on the Pier.

Last Sunday the event featured the well-known and highly acclaimed group, the Rattlin’ Winches.

Pam Fitzgerald, Harwich Shanty Festival organiser, said: “Rattlin’ Winches are a popular local shanty band, formed directly as a result of participating in our festival in other areas.

“They have an easy, relaxed, upbeat style of sea songs and shanties, which appeal to all ages.

“The event went really well despite the weather which was appalling.

“Some people came all the way from Norwich to see them performing and they said they intend to come to the rest of the events as well.”

Organisers will be running free sessions on every second Sunday of the month for an initial six months from 11.30am until 1.30pm.