While questions remain whether other businesses have abandoned the good ship Brightwells Yard, a pirate-themed soft play area came ashore there this week.

On Friday morning, it was all hands on deck as Pirates Landing launched in the mixed-use development in Farnham.

To the sounds of a pair of bagpipers, Deputy Mayor Cllr George Murray cut an opening ribbon, before young landlubbers dashed in to get aboard the colourful play equipment.

Cllr Murray said: “Brightwells is finally awakening with brilliant Pirates Landing, which has just landed here in Farnham and opened today. Well done to Pirate Landing and good luck.”

The Farnham branch is the third Pirates Landing in the area, after sailing the stormy seas from Wokingham and Camberley.

Co-owners Chris Jefferson and Simon Green said they were delighted to see the swashbuckling support the venue received at its launch.

Simon dressed as the character Pirate Pete to greet children and parents at the venue with plenty of photos being taken by the helm of the ship.

After five years of development, Brightwells Yard is nearing completion, but concerns linger about it being stuck in the doldrums. Last week, the Herald reported that high-end cafe Coppa Club was reconsidering moving to the key Brightwell House venue, while several other retail spaces remain empty.