A TREASURE quest around Harwich proved a success as hunters embarked on an adventure around the town.

The Shanty Festival Treasure Hunt, which took place on Saturday, attracted its highest ever number of participants.

Groups of people could be seen meandering around old Harwich, huddling with their maps and questions sheets in a bid to strike gold.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: A young treasure hunter enjoying the great weatherA young treasure hunter enjoying the great weather

Information boards, signs on streets and buildings and other features helped them solve the clues in the annual hunt.

Speaking on behalf of the treasure hunt, Debbie Jones said: “The wonderful weather helped to make it an enjoyable and fun day out for all, with the thrill of the chase and exercising of the brain cells being just as important as winning.

“This even has really taken off, attracting more treasure hunters than ever before.

“There was some great feedback and many requests for more events in the future.

“More than £300 was raised for the Shanty Festival funds, so all in all it was a very worthwhile day.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Hunters enjoyed the eventHunters enjoyed the event

There were two winners on the day, with ‘Two’s Company’ and ‘Team Dace’ taking the glory.

While in the children’s section George and Adam Rudland were the proud winners.

The Harwich International Shanty Festival will take place on the weekend of October 8 – 10.