A surfing competition that put Thurso on the map of world sport and bought tourism to the area has had the plug pulled.

The sponsor of the popular Cold Water Classic has turned its back on Caithness and switched the event to California.

Thurso held the event for five years, attracting surfers from across the globe.

The world championship qualifier brought more than 100 competitors and a tide of followers in their wake.

In 2011, the event boosted Highland tourism by £400,000

But the sponsor, sportswear firm O'Neill, is not renewing the five-year deal. and has cut a four-round competition to just one, to be held in its home town of Santa Cruz, California - to the frustration of local surfers and traders.

The 2011 Classic was blessed with eight-foot waves said to equal the best on the world circuit. And, for the first time, the event accompanied by live music, film and other entertainment.

However, local surfing fans said the activity is still very much alive and well in Caithness, and there is optimism of a replacement event in 2013 if a sponsor can be found.

Two festivals are planned for Thurso this year to coincide with the Scottish surfing championships in March and a European event in October.