Thousands at lifeboat fete

THE booming sound of a lifeboat maroon marked the start of the annual Newhaven Lifeboat Fete on Saturday.

Up to 4,000 people descended on the Fort Road Recreation Ground for an afternoon of fun activities which were officially started by ex-EastEnders actor Paul Moriarty.

Newhaven Lifeboat station is one of only a handful in the UK which regularly raises enough money to cover all its own running costs.

Last year it raised 39,990 and the fete is the largest single contributor. Once all cash has been counted 4,000 is hoped to have been raised.

Newhaven Lifeboat spokeswoman Pat Johns said: 'We are very grateful to the people of Newhaven and the surrounding area for their support year after year. They see the Newhaven Lifeboat as their boat and make a tremendous effort to support its operations.'

The fete is organised by a small committee made up of the wives and partners of the Lifeboat crew.

This year's attractions featured a record number of 50 stalls, a Denton and South Heighton Football Club penalty shoot out, tombolas run by local schools and music from Newhaven Youth Marching Band. There were also judo demonstrations, a tug-of-war and back by popular demand maggot racing.

EastEnders and The Bill actor Paul, found it difficult to drag himself away from the entertainment.

'Paul appeared for the opening of the event and stayed for all the afternoon signing photographs and programmes for a great many people,' said Pat Johns.