May Day celebrations in Bexhill

The event, on land overlooking Bexhill Hospital, featured a host of stalls, sideshows and activities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, but in particular the young.

And while cold weather may not have been ideal, there was still plenty of good news to offset problems posed by the elements.

Preservation Society spokeswoman Pauline Bullock said: "More than 300 hot dogs and burgers were sold in the five-and-a-half hours the event was running, and the coconut shy ran out of coconuts.

"That helps to show how busy we were, and there was lots to see and do, with attractions including Hooe Silver Band, face-painting, target football and miniature steam train rides."

While a climbing wall for youngsters had to be found a sheltered spot for safety, and cuddle bunnies taken under cover to avoid the cold, pupils from King Offa School put on a superb and warming display of dancing.

A May Queen and her court, including a lucky chimney sweep, added a touch of tradition and processed around town in a horse-drawn carriage.

The event, in its seventh year, was funded by the Preservation Society from a legacy left to provide local people with a happy and memorable start to May.

The Society also organises Christmas gifts from Santa Claus in December. Further information about its aims and activities can be found on its website: www.bexhilloldtown.org or by calling 01424 732642.