Smurf's up for Verity

It's around 17 miles in fact but that didn't deter Verity Grace from tackling the distance head-on dressed in nothing but a white slip and hat plus lashings of blue body paint.

She looked every inch the smurf athlete as she pounded determinedly along with seafront, and carried a bucket to collect more money as she walked past pedestrians, holiday-makers and those simply outside enjoying the warm sunshine of the weekend.

Verity, 23, who lives in Leopold Road, did the walk to raise money for four charities - Demelza Hospice for children, Xtrax in Hastings which is a drop-in centre for youngsters with alcohol and drug issues, 1066 Specials football club, and The Samaritans. She has raised 300 in sponsorship so far.

Having stopped briefly at the De La Warr Pavilion on her way, Verity commented: "I just keep looking at Eastbourne over there and it is getting closer.

"People are saying 'well done' as I walk past - I had one negative comment but there's a lot more people who are happy to see me.

"I'm dressed as a smurf because it was the most random thing I could think of...and I already had the outfit.

"The worst part of this is walking past the cafes - because its so nice there are lots of people sitting outside."