BARREL rolling, swash-buckling and pirate fancy dress was all part of an event to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Ten teams spent a day dressed as pirates carrying, rolling and hiking beer kegs across Dartmoor before having to make their way back to Weymouth by any means.

They were raising money from Help for Heroes and the MV Freedom, a Weymouth boat that takes disabled people out on the water.

So far more than £2,000 has been raised with more coming in all the time from sponsorship.

The pirates had to make it back to the King’s Arms on Weymouth Harbour side on Sunday afternoon before running a barrel rolling race from Hope Square to the pub.

More than 20 pirates battled it out for pole position before being brought up short just feet from the pub by historical re-enactors from Pike and Shot Event’s, dressed as the local militia.

All pirates were made to pay a tax or bribe before they were allowed to cross the finish line.

Weymouth Carnival Queen Lucy Compton helped out at the event giving out pirates ‘black spots’ to the watching crowds.

One of the organisers Colin House said it had been a challenging but fun weekend.

He said: “We set the route across one of the hardest parts of Dartmoor. All the teams completed the 17-mile course across open moorland, river ways and through local villages.

“They had to carry their keg by whatever means, some strapped it to their backs, some had stretchers and some carried them on trolleys.”

He added: “Then the next day they had to make their way back to Weymouth by whatever means necessary and en-route they collected money.

“It was a long weekend and very tiring. It was tough. First it rained, then the sun came out, then it rained and the sun came out. The teams had their coats off then on then off again.”

Teams arrived back on mobility scooters, on foot, on an RNLI rib boat and one team even took the X53 bus from Exeter.

The crew of the M V Freedom had the boat moored alongside the pub and gave people guided tours of the vessel to show them what the charity does. There was also a raffle and tombola.

Fundraiser Julie Mason said it was great to see so many people come together to support the Freedom and Help for Heroes. She said: “It’s fantastic to see everyone come out and support us. In these times it’s so hard to raise funds. We have fantastic support locally.”

The MV Freedom crew will use their share of the money raised to do maintenance and cover essentials like insurance.