PAST and present came together with spectacular aplomb at the launch of this year's Hamble Week.

sailing and a feast of water activities helped kick start the beginning of the annual event, which draws massive crowds from across the county.

The aim of the week is to bring the community of Hamble together with the thousands who regularly pay visits to the yachting mecca on the banks of the Solent.

Radio Solent presenter Nick Girder officially opened proceedings by pulling the first pint in the bar.

He said: "Normally people ask me to come and open a fete for an afternoon. In Hamble they have to do things to excess, so they've done a whole week.

"They done a very good job here and raised a lot of money for local charities in the past, which is the main thing."

One of the first water events of the festival was a Round the World regatta, in which teams of youngsters battled it out to lay their hands on the prestigious old Hamble Stars silver cup.

Buoys representing Cape Town and Australia marked the corners of a short race sailed by 20 youngsters in Snow Goose-donated Oppie boats.

Nine-year-old Emily Peel and Peter Blackburn, 11, proudly lifted the trophy - their names now joining the ranks of the village's sailing legends, including resident Peter Nicholson and Captain MH Nelson, rumoured to be a descendant of Battle of Trafalgar-winning Horatio.

Peter, of St Bedes School, Winchester, said: "I'm really pleased to have won."

As well as winning the cup, the pair were also given mini-skateboards, with the children in second, third and fourth places taking home similar prizes.

Hamble Rescue, the Sea Scouts, the Monday Club, local playschools and a youth sailing project are among the schemes to benefit from the money raised in this year's event, organised by Hamble Parish Council.

Kate Cullen, vice chairman of the festival- organising committee, said: "We organise the week so everyone can have a good time and hopefully raise some money in the process."

Events will continue through the week. Visit www.hambleevents.org.uk for more information.