Crowds throng seafront

They crowded along the seafront on both afternoons of last weekend's crowd puller staged by Bognor Regis Town Council. Sunday was particularly busy. A full calendar of events was on offer for free to keep all ages amused and happy.

A marquee contained an exhibition by local historians Sylvia Endacott and Shirley Lewis as well as a Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society display and a host of arts and crafts activities.

Entertainment along the prom took place on both days. The timetable featured the Regis Troopers dancers, the Fusion Dance Company, Punch and Judy shows, the energetic Victory Jivers and a jazz band.

Inside the Royal Norfolk Hotel, a craft fair proved popular. The hotel's grounds were also the setting for a Songs of Praise service led by the Salvation Army. Open top bus tours on the Sunday provided an alternative view of Bognor's past thanks to Observer columnist Sylvia Endacott as the top deck guide.

A giant games arena '“ with snakes and ladders, dominoes and twister among others '“ was set up on the southern end of Steyne Gardens for an alternative form of enjoyment while the Rainbow Fish show provided live entertainment at the Hotham Arts Centre.

The mixture of indoor and outdoor attractions enabled the event to survive the onset of midday mist on the Sunday after a scorching start to the day.

Sue Holmes, the town council's events officer, said: 'The weekend has gone well. We have been very pleased with it.

'There have been a lot of people about and the seafront has been buzzing, particularly during the afternoons. Having a marquee here has worked well. There have been masses of people through there.

'Something for everyone has been taking place whether it's enjoying the entertainment, looking at the cars or building sandcastles.

'Last year was the first time we held Sands of Time in June, instead of September, and hopefully we will be back again next June. The event seems to work well this time of year. There is nothing else major going on in Bognor in June but we do have to make sure we miss other events such as the Festival of Speed at Goodwood.'