The sun was shining and the bunting was flying high in The Church Walk Shopping Centre for our annual Pirates day on Saturday 24th September. Local store managers, their staff and the centre management team dressed for the occasion and Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain DJ and town crier Sonia Hunt entertained the crowds.

Children had their faces painted for free by Bubblegum face painters and could learn about becoming a member of Caterham Sea Cadets, who brought a boat into the centre decked out in flags.

The fancy dress competition was supported by 49 shipmates; shops donated prizes for the winners' goody bags and every child who entered received a prize. The group of children comprised pirates, deck hands and captains who took part in a parade throughout the centre with shop keepers cheering from their stores. Captain DJ compared the event with the winners receiving their prizes from Captain Jack Sparrow.

The judges from Specsavers, Pretty Woman and Holland & Barrett chose the following winners:

1st – Pirate Molly Oakes – eight years old from Caterham who attends Caterham Prep School, 2nd – Pirate Billy Ogle – five years old from Caterham who attends St John's School. 3rd – Pirate Ella While – five years old from Caterham who attends Hillcroft School.

Children also took part in a shop window Treasure Hunt hosted by First Choice and supported by every shop in Church Walk Shopping Centre, (winner to be announced soon).

Shelley Filippi Centre Manager stated "We would like to thank all the public who supported our event by shopping locally. Morrison's provided free all day parking which ensured our shoppers could enjoy themselves and stay longer. We had a staggering 49 children for the fancy dress competition with an exceptionally high standard of costume and attention to detail. Surrey Wildlife Trust, The ARC and Caterham Sea Cadets joined us on the day to fundraise via games of chance. We look forward to seeing you all at our Guys and Ghouls Day on 29th October."