Last updated 09:41, Friday, 08 August 2008

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A Lancaster Bomber flies past the Festival of the Sea at the shipyard in Barrow. Saturday 7th June 2008. LINDSEY DICKINGS

A LONG blast on HMS Exeter’s whistle as she sailed into port signalled the start of Barrow’s maritime festival.

Within minutes of Barrow Tourist Information Centre opening on Saturday, 250 tickets had gone and that quickly increased to more than 1,500.

Barrow Borough Council’s town centre and festivals manager Ann Taylforth said: “It’s going really well, which is good because 12 months of planning have gone into this.

“The Royal Navy desperately wanted to support this event again so we linked up with them and decided on this weekend because it’s a particularly high tide, which is good for the naval vessels.”

Sailing in with the Royal Navy onboard HMS Exeter was Jordan Price, from North Scale, Walney.At 17, he is the youngest person serving on the Type 42 destroyer.His proud mum, Mandy Crabtree, along with husband Geoff and Jordan’s little sister Ellie, six, had their cameras at the ready as the vessel came in.On Saturday, the family were given a VIP tour to see where Jordan lives and works.“I was all emotional when we saw him come in,” said Mrs Crabtree.“We're very proud of him.“Ellie was over the moon.”Jordan has been with HMS Exeter since he completed his training at the end of April.This is his second port visit after London during HMS Exeter’s tour of the UK.Explaining his role with the Royal Navy, Jordan said: “I’m a warfare specialist.“I work with the ship’s radar.“After the tour of the UK we're going to Iceland, Norway and Russia.“I want to see lots of different places and meet people you wouldn't normally meet.“Some of my friends on the ship are from Fiji and all different parts of the country.“Events like this give them a chance to see what it’s like here and get people interested in the navy.”

Type 42 destroyer HMS Exeter, moored in Ramsden Dock with Tall Ship Kaskelot, where both ships attracted plenty of interest.

At the far end of the dock, Ulverston resident Alan Quirk, admired the sub-marine HMS Onyx.

Mr Quirk served on HMS Consort, a Class C destroyer, from 1945 to 1950.

He said: “I've been on the brig and I went on HMS Exeter last time so I haven't done that today.

“I’m just beginning to look around actually.”

There was plenty to occupy youngsters too, from Punch and Judy to thrilling fairground rides.

Nine-year-old Maddison Blackett, who took her family to the event, had just conquered the climbing wall.

“I went on the rock climbing wall and got to the top twice,” said Maddison, from Abbots Vale, Barrow.

“I've been on the boat too.

“It was good. I’m going to the fair next.”

For the Cronin family, the event was an opportunity to discover Barrow’s maritime heritage.

They moved here from London last week.

Linda Cronin, of Furness Park Road, Barrow, said: “We went on the tall ship.

“It was very interesting actually.”

The weekend was a huge success and continues to bring in more visitors year on year.

On Saturday 8,000 came to the festival and on Sunday another 5,500 enjoyed the day, making 13,500 in all.