TWO pirate ships landed at Washford on Wednesday when one of West Somerset's latest tourist attractions was set in place.

The life size ships are positioned in a sea of sand at Tropiquaria Wildlife Park where they will be used as play equipment.

Pirate Island is a totally local project involving boat designer John Hesp, from Allerford, and the team at Dunster sawmill.

And completion of the £200,000 project in just six weeks has proved a point for Tropiquaria owner.

Steve, pictured, saw it as a challenge when he heard about a German company that took 18 months to undertake a similar project in London.

The German firm said it could not have been achieved by anyone in Britain: "Well, they should have come down to West Somerset," said Steve.

He said Pirate Island was the most exciting single piece of play equipment in West Somerset.

And its position beside the A39 to Minehead and Exmoor and the road to Watchet makes it an appropriate gateway to the district's various coastal attractions.

l See Kwinty's Comment on page 4

Photo: Steve Guscott.