THREE hundred years ago Alexander Selkirk sailed into Erith after being marooned on a deserted island for four years.

On Saturday the Scottish sailor was greeted by more than 400 people, when he rowed ashore once again.

Families, school children, councillors and army cadets lined Erith river front to celebrate the anniversary of tri-centenary.

Selkirk, who wore 18th century costume, was joined by five pirates during the ceremony, which was organised by Erith Town Forum and sponsored by Rotary Club of Erith.

Music was provided by Belvedere Junior School's choir while musicians from Rose Bruford College of Art and Music, in Sidcup, also joined the celebrations.

News Shopper: Alexander Selkirk is greeted as he comes ashore MP for Erith and Thamesmead Teresa Pearce, said: “The ‘real Robinson Crusoe’ is a fascinating part of our local history so it was great that hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the arrival of Alexander Selkirk in Erith.

“This was a really enjoyable community event and I’d like to thank Margaret O’Neil, Robyn Drummond, Erith Town Forum and the Rotary Club of Erith for putting on a great programme of events and helping more people learn about Erith’s historical roots.”

In 1704 Selkirk was concerned about the sea-worthiness of the vessel he was serving on, so tried to convince other crewmates to desert with him on an island off the cost of Chile.

Unfortunately the other men chose to stay on the boat and he was left stranded alone with a musket, gunpowder, carpenter's tools, a Bible and some clothing.

Following his rescue, Selkirk arrived in Erith on October 14 1711 - at the time it was a busy trading town with important shipping links throughout the world and near to the Port of London.

His experiences became the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s 1719 classic story Robinson Crusoe.

The castaway is also the reason for having roads called Friday, Crusoe and Selkirk in Erith.

Activities in Erith

News Shopper: Reece Osbourne YOUNG pirates took over Erith Riverside Shopping Centre to celebrate Alexander Selkirk's return.

Face painting, a history stand, treasure hunt, story time, and survival tips were on offer for the amateur buccaneers.

The celebrations coincided with the Autumn Fair, which featured craft stalls selling various items, from jewellery to chocolate and fashion to books.

Shopping Centre Manager, Barry Owen, said: “The turnout at the Autumn Fair event was fantastic.

"The stalls created a real buzz and there truly was something for everyone.