Almost 300 boats paraded on Windermere on Sunday in protest at the 10mph speed limit - a show of strength which organisers say proves the blanket ban on speedboats is still a burning issue.

Around 270 boats of all shapes and sizes formed a flotilla, which sailed around Belle Isle and through Bowness Bay, to protest against the by-law proposed by the Lake District National Park Authority and confirmed by the Government to come into force in March 2005.

The procession included speedboats, powerboats, small cruisers and rowing boats, many decked with balloons and banners proclaiming 'Plan don't Ban' and 'No to Speed Limit'.

Organisers believe that at least 1,500 people took part in the event, including many families, with some supporters travelling miles to join in.

Norman Park, of Keep Windermere Alive, which organised the rally, said he was delighted with the turn-out.

"It just goes to show people are still passionate about what goes on up here and they are not happy with the 10mph speed limit," said Mr Park, manager of Shepherd's boatyard.

"The issue hasn't died - there is still a massive amount of public support for our cause."

An economic report conducted by consultants into the effects of the speed limit earlier this year predicted an annual loss of £11 million in direct revenue for lake-based businesses and warned that up to 129 jobs would go.

Mr Park said that the impending speed limit was already "slowly strangulating" the local economy, which had been shown to be extremely fragile because of the foot-and-mouth crisis this year.

Richard Freeman, chairman of Windermere and Bowness Chamber of Trade, said that shops, guesthouses and restaurants in the two towns had felt the effects of the speed ban from the moment the government announced it.

"Furthermore, it put young people off coming to the Lakes, and it's the young people who are our future," Mr Freeman told the Citizen as he watched the water-borne demonstration.