The main events were delivery of the "Tin Hau", worshipping at the temple, Chinese operas, lion dances and puppet shows, with a sea parade around the island with the goddess on board. In a remarkable tribute to their heritage, "Tap Mun people" from all around the world donated over $10m to fund renovations of the temple and ancestral hall and the expenses of the festival.

Ably assisted in the job by officers from Small Boat Division and Police Tactical Unit platoons from New Territories North, New Territories South, Kowloon East and Kowloon West, officers of the "Islands Sub-Unit" - headed by Station Sergeant Ricky Fung - ensured that the villagers and visitors could enjoy themselves safely and with a quietly reassuring presence on hand. The water-borne activities were also well policed with Police Launch 44 invited to take part in the sea parade.

Marine Regional Commander Debbie Chang attended celebrations on the main day as an official VIP guest, and thoroughly enjoyed herself. "This was the first 'Da Jiu' I have attended, and it was a tremendously vibrant occasion. I was very pleased to have the chance to witness it close up, and as these festivals only occur every 10 years, it was a privilege to be involved," she said.

MOWDIST Commander Rod Colson said: "I was at the 1979 'Da Jiu' as a young Marine 'bonbaan', and I am honoured to have been taking part again. The organising committee has done a truly marvellous job to pull all this together, and we have really enjoyed the whole atmosphere, vegetarian food, a few beers and of course their cheerful company."

Deputy District Commander Freddie Siu agreed: "We have developed an excellent relationship with the island community, and we will return their hospitality in our mess very soon."

Along with the islands of Kat O and East Ping Chau, Tap Mun's daily policing is the responsibility of the "Islands Sub-unit" of Marine North Division under Divisional Commander Fred Tsui, who said: "It has certainly been a successful operation, lively but no incidents, with only one minor injury, and we were very lucky with the weather. Thanks must go to all the PTU officers who were so professional. I hope they enjoyed this glimpse of 'island life', and of course Ricky Fung and his boys did a great job along with all sea-going colleagues and the APCRO Sergeant Cheng Ka-yiu. We can enjoy a bit of a rest now - only nine years and 11 months until the next one."

Mr Colson meets Hakka ladies who have returned from Glasgow, the UK, to act as "Tin Hau" escort

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