Despite pouring rain and heavy clouds, 150 people attended a gala day at Piel Island, in Walney Channel, in July 1998.

They included those who caught the ferry and nearly 70 who walked one-and-a-half miles across the sands at low tide, led by local naturalist and tour guide John Murphy.

The gala day was in aid of St Mary's Hospice at Ulverston.

Twenty yachtsmen, who were regular visitors to the island's pub, the Ship Inn, sailed from Blackpool to join the festivities, which included a tombola, and a sponsored car-pull across the sands by teams from Walney Central Rugby Club and The Queen's pub in Windermere.

The Queen's won the three-mile race in 22 minutes 59 seconds with Walney finishing in 26 minutes.

The event was organised by Karen Scarr, wife of the traditional King of Piel Island, Roddy Scarr, who was the licensee of the Ship.

In 2008 Steve Chattaway's place in history was assured when he was crowned King of Piel.

In time-honoured tradition, the new landlord of the Ship Inn was drenched with beer while sitting in Piel's ancient chair.

The ceremony was witnessed by more than 2,500 people, including former landlords and Martin Clunes, start of the hit TV comedy series Men Behaving Badly.

Mr Clunes was on the tiny island filming for a new ITV series, Islands of Britain.

A jubilant Mr Chattaway said: "It's been an emotional day. I nearly filled up."

The castle was decked out in bunting and surrounded by a flotilla of ships from around the coast of Britain and the Isle of Man.

Many of those attending were dressed as knights, Vikings and pirates.

Mr Clunes, who was bestowed with the job of carrying the bucket of beer slops, said: "The coronation was brilliant. It was quite moving."

Mr Chattaway paid tribute to his wife Sheila, who organised the event and would run the pub with him.

The coronation raised £480 for local charities.