Cowbit observes long standing tradition of firing punt guns to honour the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
A village's Platinum Jubilee celebrations went off with a bang when a traditional punt gun salute kicked off proceedings.
People gathered around Cowbit Wash this morning to watch as the six long shot guns were fired off at 11am - in time with a similar salute in London.
Deeping St Nicholas farmer Nicholas Watts loaned four of his guns for the event and took part in the firing alongside Cowbit Parish Council chairman Trevor Tyrrell, his son William and other enthusiasts.
Punt gun salutes are held in Cowbit to celebrate coronations and jubilees. The first documented salute took place to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897
Coun Tyrrell said: "We believe that this is the only place in the country to do this. These traditions have got to be kept alive for the tradition to continue.
"We are really pleased with how it has gone."
Punt guns are long shotguns which were used for wildfowling in the 19th and 20th centuries, which was a popular sport in parts of South Holland.
Long rods were used to help load the guns before firing off very loud volleys over the Cowbit Wash.
The guns fired off a total of five volleys in an awesome display.
Mr Watts, who owns Vine House Farm, was also pleased with how things went.
He said: "It has gone very well and I have looked forward to it.
"I own four guns. I bought two off Granny Tyrrell."
