A FESTIVAL which is thought to be the oldest sea regatta in the North-East coast has overcome competition from events such as Notting Hill Carnival and Reading and Leeds Festivals to be named among the country's top summer events.

Whitby Regatta, which will be held from August 19 to 22, traces its history back 174 years and started with fishermen competing against each other in fishing smacks and salmon cobbles.

It is hoped the resort will see an extra influx of visitors after the event was featured on leading travel website, holidaylettings.co.uk, as being one of its recommendations for August.

The firm is encouraging homeowners to capitalise on the area’s spike in interest by renting out their home or spare room.

A holidaylettings.co.uk spokesman said the regatta was included in the round-up because of the event’s national reputation.

He said: “Whitby Regatta had to make the top ten because it’s become one of the most popular summer events in the UK, not just Yorkshire.”

“With lots for people to see and do at the three-day event, it’s not difficult to see why it’s attracting visitors from far and wide.”