TOP speed thrills and high octane excitement attracted thousands of spectators to the fifth annual powerboat grand prix at Ramsgate during the weekend.

The European championship was among the highlights of the two-day race agenda and crowds watched from every vantage point on the clifftops as the crew pushed their V24 class craft to the limit in the offshore competition.

Heats for the national championships and the popular K-class children's powerboat races took place on Sunday.

Away from the racing there was plenty to entertain the crowds including street theatre, a food and drink village and a French market, music and fireworks.

The KM-fm radio team and the Isle of Thanet Extra played their part in the harbour arena with live broadcasts, games and give-aways and music.

Cllr Sandy Ezekiel, Thanet council leader, said: "There was a great party mood all weekend and it was one of the most successful grand prix events held at Ramsgate.

“We worked in conjunction with Ramsgate Town Partnership to stage the event this year and our input was to underwrite the powerboat racing to the tune of £20,000.

“The land based entertainment was arranged and paid for by our business colleagues and their support was fantastic.

“It shows that the local authority and business can work well together to stage a major event. “

Businessman Frank Thorley, a board member of Ramsgate Town Partnership, said: ”The poor weather during part of the weekend did not detract from the overall success of the event.

“We did have to charge a modest entry fee for the public to go into the main harbour enclosure but that was necessary to raise funds for the whole land-based side of the weekend.

“There were a few complaints but not many. Without the land-based side of the programme, the powerboat grand prix would not have been the same at all.

“The partnership with the council worked well on this project and teamwork has been the key. Thanks go to all those businesses that supported us, the board members, the volunteer stewards, and Capt Ken Gray and his team at the harbour.”

Ramsgate Round Table was among organisations taking part with a fairground stall attraction with prizes that ranged from cuddly toys to a giant inflatable hammer.

Spokesman Andrew Warrilow said the weekend was a success, despite the rain on Sunday. He said: “It was hard work but enormous fun. It achieved everything we set out to achieve which was to have fun, to promote the works of Ramsgate Round Table and to raise money for community projects.”