A bracing stroll on the prom

But a small group of people gathered, sheltering in the lee of the Colonnade before venturing forth.

A nice day for a "health walk...."

But since the regular series of promenade strolls began last October, walk leaders Paul Lendon and Mel Rushby have never missed a session.

The scheme was launched under the joint auspices of Age Concern and Sure Start.

Paul says: "Numbers have been increasing every time. Last time we have 18.

"They are having a struggle finding more leaders or I would make it every week. At the moment there's only the two of us."

The aim is to encourage the public to exercise for the good of their health. Beginners' walks like the one in last Friday's wintry conditions take a leisurely level route from the Colonnade to the end of West Parade an back - around a mile according to most pedometers.

Paul said: "It's a voluntary task. It came about because I did the Clock Tower historic walk last year to celebrate the centenary of the Clock Tower.

"I saw they were training walk leaders so I went in for it. It was funded by Hastings Primary Care Trust and I said I would be happy to become a walk leader. I was contacted by Age Concern who have taken it over from the PCT. I have carried on ever since. This is our seventh health walk today."

Mums with toddlers in push chairs now walk alongside pensioners.

"The idea of working with Sure Start is so that you are integrating young people with elderly people. Walking is a very good facilitator."

Last year Paul founded his own business, Walks And Talks with Paul Lendon.

He is planning an Historical Time Walk on Sunday, July 17, leaving the Clock Tower at 2pm.

Already, the man who organised the centenary celebrations for Bexhill's first bus services and last year's Clock Tower centenary has plans to celebrate the centenary of the tram service in Bexhill next year.

Meanwhile, there's a walk to lead, despite the cold and rain.

Paul said: "I will go whatever the weather; even if it is tipping it down. I used to do a paper round. I'm used to it."