Pirates have returned to a North Yorkshire town for the 20th year.

The Whitby Pirate Festival, an annual celebration of "everything piratical", returned this weekend welcoming pirates from all corners of the UK

The festival began in 2004 as the Whitby International Pirate Society. It expanded to create the first pirate day in 2008.

Whitby Pirate Festival has returned for the 20th year (Image: MoiraJeacock)

In 2014, the society took over the running of Whitby Pirate Festival and extended the event to a three-day long festival.

Speaking at the end of day two, the festival's organisers said: "One of the most anticipated moments of the Whitby Pirate Festival is the crowning of the Pirate King.

"Jack Bradshaw won the title aboard the Whitby Endeavour. After a fierce bidding war.

Whitby Pirate Festival has returned for the 20th year (Image: MoiraJeacock)

"On Sunday we have mermaids, more music and entertainment, captains Jack and his crew of scallywags.

"Hoist your colours to celebrate 20 years of Whitby Pirates."

This year’s festival is raising money for the Whitby RNLI. The fundraiser has raised more than £10,000 so far.