Hastings is big in Belgium

The town was represented by members of the council's marketing department, along with Tush and Pat Hamilton, who sell their hugely popular Fishermen's Rolls in Rock-a-Nore Road.

Kevin Boorman, head of marketing, said: "We know we are popular with Belgian visitors, but the reaction to our stand was just phenomenal. It was the busiest exhibition I have ever attended.

"We took 15 boxes of holiday guides for the four days, as well as lots of other material, but had run out by Saturday afternoon.

"Fortunately a colleague was able to bring out another 23 boxes early on Sunday morning, and most of those were taken too!

"Apparently more than a quarter of a million visitors attended, and it seemed most came to our stand.

"We took our usual display, and set it up alongside Tush and Pat.

"It looked like Rock-a-Nore Road in front of Ostend station, as they were cooking Hastings fish alongside a replica net hut, and genuine fishing nets, fish box and lobster pot."

Tush Hamilton added: "It was a fantastic exhibition for us, we love being able to promote the town and, of course, our fishing heritage.

"The Belgians showed us how to eat fish, with their front teeth, to get rid of the bones, and we taught them how to queue!"

Mr Boorman said the event was a very cost-effective way of marketing Hastings, as the exhibition space was given for free, along with the ferry crossings.

He said: "Belgians love Hastings, and I have no doubt we will be welcoming many more as a result of this show.

"They all seemed so keen and positive about the place, and having Tush and Pat give a first-hand display of local hospitality made the event very special."