BRIXHAM Buccaneers are hoping hoards of pirates will help keep their world record afloat this year after Guinness announced a relaxing of the rules.

Last year 1,467 pirate-clad residents and visitors came together at the Old Fish Quay during the annual pirate festival, setting a new world record for the most pirates in once place.

With less than four weeks to go until this year's shanty festival during the May Day bank holiday weekend, Guinness changed some of the qualification criteria.

Anyone of any age can take part in the bid providing they are wearing a pirate hat, bandana or kerchief plus an eye patch and suitable pirate attire such as a shirt and trousers, or skirt and blouse or a dress.

Last year pirates also had to carry a sword but this year people can also carry a knife, gun, parrot or hook instead.

Buccaneer Karen James, aka Cannonballs Jessie, said: "The rules are a bit more flexible this year such as being allowed to wear a kerchief instead of a hat or bandana. People will also be able to roll their trousers up."

The Buccaneers title was snatched by 1,670 American Pirates in Portland, Oregon last September.

Daphne Wilson, aka Gut out Lil, is calling for as many people as possible to join the Buccaneers at Brixham harbour on Sunday May 2 at 2pm.

"It should be really exciting, and now it's even easier hopefully we will recapture our record," she said.

Organisers of the four-day festival have been granted a much needed cash boost of £2,000 from the Torbay Community Partnership to pay for lots of other entertainment throughout the whole week including a Pirates of the Caribbean evening complete with Caribbean food, limbo dancing under fire and a pirate sea battle attack on the Golden Hind.

For more information about the record attempt and the festival pick up a programme in local tourist information offices, visit www.brixhampiratefestival.co.uk or phone Nigel James on 01803 850382.