Clowns set to return next year

It is hoped that about 90 of the funnymen and women, compared to some 80 this year, will take part in the 2008 Circus Circus weekend.

They will be staying at the holiday destination between March 7 and 10 to make March 9 the date for the annual parade through the town.

Butlins is keen to host the event again and Clowns International wants to return to Bognor.

The town council, which has played a large part in the past two revivals of the clowns' annual visits, is also likely to become involved once more in organising the procession. But a formal decision has yet to be taken by councillors.