Family fun at sidley

Sure Start is the Government-sponsored initiative to help young families in Bexhill's two most disadvantaged wards, Sidley and Central.

Children's entertainers Uncle Bumble and Andy Bosco's Circus were drawing large and attentive audiences on the lawn on Monday.

Fun days are part of Sure Start's Summer programme to provide activities for young families.

A coconut shy, a barbecue, the chance to get messy with paint pads and brushes or enjoy finding Treasure Island's hidden riches were all part of the day.

Sidley's Learning Link adult education centre staff were busy stamping out lapel badges and issuing balloons, schools liaison officer PC Barry Webster spent a busy day showing youngsters over a patrol car and, indoors, a play centre was never short of young enthusiasts.

Visitors could try their hand at putting a face on a clown, dressing in grass skirts and becoming Hawaiian hula girls or - for the adults - take part in Sidley Community Association's prize draw.

Sure Start stage another free-to-enter family fun day on Tuesday at the De La Warr Pavilion from noon until 4pm.