POOLE Maritime Festival was a resounding success for Poole and my heart swells with pride.

From the time of preparing and submitting the initial expression of interest, supported with a letter from the PM, Cllr Xena Dion and the Economic Development (ED) team at Borough of Poole worked their socks off to make sure it happened and succeeded.

From the beginning, in the midst of austerity and funding reduction, it was clear that the council had no resources to underwrite the event. Funding had to be raised via sponsorship and other means.

Partners working with the ED team, set up a steering group. Special thanks must go to all of them for their initial confidence, commitment and vision, initial partners were Newsquest and the Echo; Sunseekers and Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) with Liz Lean PR - started the Poole Boat Show in 2015, to have it established by May 2017. So many more and no room to mention.

Xena (at her own expense) with PHC and ED manager visited the host cities for the 2015 and 2016 festivals to gather intelligence and ideas and set out outline plans.

Sadly, there were detractors, they should congratulate now and not seek to claim credit for the success.

A specialist project manager was recruited last year and together with Xena and the ED team and partners set about organising the festivities. PHC and the successful Boatshow, the awesome Taste Festival with Route PR & Jackie Phillipson, the music and big wheel at 7SeasFestival with Marianne Brown & Immense Events. And not forgetting the brilliant Lighthouse for the fabulous Maritime Conference.

The week brought massive opportunities for highlighting Poole as a first class town to do business with - a jewel in the UK crown. Business meetings, training events, networking, growth and investment opportunities. The sun shone, Sunseekers put on an awesome display along the Quay and people and families flocked to all the events in their tens of thousands.

Poole has shown what it is capable of, let's hope something fantastic happens here again.

I, as a resident and councillor at Borough of Poole, am truly grateful to all those who put their hearts and souls into delivering such success to and for us. Thank you.

CLLR ELAINE ATKINSON Borough of Poole, Civic Centre