The third annual Fat Face National Windsurf Festival saw top competitors from across the country– including Olympic bronze medallist Bryony Shawhead to the island.

Crowds gathered at the seafront to watch windsurfers battling against huge waves, whipped up by the bad weather.

There was also a spectacular night windsurfing event which drew in the crowds on Saturday.

More than 700 people came to watch the festival over the weekend, providing a tourist boost for Hayling.

Chris Hogan, 19, from the Inn on the Beach, which hosted the festival, said: 'It was very popular again this year. There was lots of wind and the windsurfing went really well.

'Everybody had a great time at the party on Saturday night, we had a live band and there were hundreds of people here.

'The rain seemed to hold off for the spectators as well.'

The annual festival has become one of the most highly-rated of its kind for pros and amateurs.

Simon Leedham, from Hayling Island, beat more than 340 windsurfers from across the UK to take the title and the top prize of £1,000.

He said: 'It feels so good to win in front of such a large crowd. It brings the sport much closer to the public. Normally when we race it's just us out on the water.

'Every year the Fat Face Night Windsurf just gets bigger and bigger. This year is the best yet and thanks to Fat Face for putting this on.'

Havant Borough Council has given the festival its full support as it looks to get youngsters interested in taking up the sport, with its Master Blaster Series for amateur windsurfers.

Working together with local surf-wear firm Fat Face and the Royal Yachting Association, the council has also organised free windsurfing lessons for children and adults.

Kyle Hanna, sports development officer at the council, said: 'We are delighted to support this prestigious event and thrilled to give young people from our borough the opportunity to try this great sport for free and we hope they continue to enjoy windsurfing.'

Ian Williams, Fat Face manager, said: 'It is great to see the weekend sailors up against some of the best names in the sport.'