It's great back on the beach

Blue skies and sunshine saw them in the sea surfing and bodyboarding while children enjoyed building sandcastles.

The beach, one of the few sandy ones in the county, was shut a year ago by the port's French owners after concerns were raised about the safety of the sea wall.

The sudden ban on members of the public using the beach shocked both residents and visitors. At the time, the company said it did not have the money to carry out improvements.

However, in a surprise turnaround, work was put in hand two weeks ago and the steps down to the sands opened up once more. Newhaven town councillor Carla Butler has campaigned hard for the beach to be reopened.

She said: 'I went to the beach on Saturday morning and the sand was showing. It is all open and I am pleased. Word has not got round completely yet but it will.'