True spirit was blowing in the wind

Pure clich isn't it?

But in the case of the Great Storm of 1987 there is an element of truth to it.

Certainly it was one of the most destructive examples of the power of nature to be seen locally for hundreds of years.

Without doubt it caused great hardship and suffering for some.

Homes were wrecked, town history was lost and hearts sank at the sight of mature woodland levelled.

But out of all the doom and destruction of the 'hurricane' came happy endings.

First of all nobody in Bexhill, unlike in other parts of the South East, was killed or seriously injured.

We also have the heart warming story of Rebecca Elliott-Noye's birth to remind us there were positives to be found.

Twenty years later she is a picture of health and happiness, the dedication of the emergency services and bravery of her parents ensuring she could be photographed safe and sound on our front page both two decades ago and today.

We are also reminded by then Rother parks manager Colin Hudson and others how people pulled together in a show of 'Dunkirk' spirit.

Neighbours helped to clear each other's properties of fallen trees and masonry.

Emergency service personnel battled against impossible odds.

Council workers and volunteers worked long hours and through meal times so as to ensure residents were safe and disruption was kept to a minimum.

School buildings opened their doors and took care of the elderly and the vulnerable.

And from the devastation, new life has already blossomed.

Collington Wood has slowly returned to its former glory.

The Manor Gardens, despite heavy damage, recovered to remain one of the town's favourite beauty spots thanks to careful planning and hard work.

We hope you enjoy our look back at the Great Storm.

It is important we remember the amazing events of that night.

And it is equally important we remember it proved to be a triumph of the human spirit.