IT has been 50 years since pirate radio broadcaster Roy Bates clambered aboard an abandoned fort seven miles off the Suffolk coast and declared it a sovereign state.

The tiny fiefdom of Sealand has since fought incursions by other illicit broadcasters, fired warning shots at the Royal Navy, and suppressed an attempted coup by a group of German businessmen.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the symbol of “enduring freedom”, supporters from around the world met for dinner at The Boat Yard, in Leigh, on Saturday.

About 150 people from across the world were in attendance, including Hollywood film producers, international lawyers and internet tycoons.

Prince Michael Bates, 65, the current ruler of Sealand, said the Hollywood producers were interested in creating a film about the history of Sealand.

Mr Bates, who lives in Leigh, said the micro-nation represents a universal “desire for freedom away from authority”.

He added: “We have two people out there permanently - the most we’ve had is around 50 at one point.

“It’s a very, very interesting and different kind of life. Believe me, I’ve had a lot of adventure out of it.”

He added that the black tie event at The Boat Yard went “very well”.

It was on September 2 1967, that former Army serviceman Roy Bates clambered aboard the disused Roughs Tower, declared himself ruler and, on her birthday, made his wife Joan princess.

The North Sea outpost was outside British waters’ then three-mile jurisdiction, placing it beyond the grasp of Whitehall. British forces then pulled down other forts to stop a repeat of the grab.

In 1968, a 14-year-old Michael Bates sent “warning shots” across the bow of a vessel he felt was sailing too close to the platform.

When he and his father were hauled before the courts over the “swashbuckling incident”, a judge concluded the law had no jurisdiction over the territory.

Sealand claims this episode as its first instance of de facto recognition.

The second came after a German diplomat was sent to negotiate the release of a hostage following a botched coup by German businessmen in 1978.

Guests at the 50th anniversary dinner will toast the memory of founder Roy Bates, who died in 2012, and his wife Joan, who died last year.

A commemorative silver crown coin is being produced for the occasion.

Michael Bates, who wrote a history of Sealand called Holding The Fort, added: “We’re perhaps the most undemanding state in the world. We don’t force anybody to worship any god or religion or anything. Maybe that’s why we’ve lasted so long. Hopefully I’ll be around for the next 50!”