Pirates a roaring success

Children screamed with terror and delight as the dastardly pirate Purplebeard made his appearance at Whitby’s Anchor Church last week.

Puppet Purplebeard joined a human cast of pirates for a rollicking week of pantomimes, songs, crafts and games at the church’s annual school holiday programme.

The week-long programme was fully booked out with 150 children each day enjoying the show.

The church community poured hours into decking out the church like a galleon on the high seas.

Dozens of teenagers volunteered their holidays to be group leaders, all appropriately decked out in swashbuckling costume.

The organisers were children’s pastors Chris and Sandy Lead- beater, who played captain Brave Belle and Bold Pete, mocked by all as ‘‘Bald Pete’’. Youth pastor Brad de Villiers joined the couple on stage as Handsome Jack as the trio fought off the evil machinations of Purplebeard.

More photos, page 34