Tim Holland at the helm after 30 years' involvement

It will be 30 years since he became involved in the festive enjoyment.

Estate agent Mr Holland's long-standing involvement with the race began through regular meetings at The Lamb between pram race helpers and businessmen.

It was suggested he might like to become the race's archivist. He joined the organising committee several years later. He became chairman some three years ago when stalwart Geoffrey Evans eventually stepped down.

Aldwick resident Mr Holland (59) is among a committee of eight local businessmen which meets regularly from March to plan the next race.

He has seen the number taking part range from the mid-30s to the high-60s.

The number of spectators is usually around 2,000-3,000. The most popular year saw some 3,500 turn out when tv grand prix commentator Murray Walker was the special guest.

Mr Holland was born in Sri Lanka to a services family. He was educated in England. When his holidays co-incided with his parents' leave in the 1950s, they spent their time together in the Bognor Regis area.

A brief spell in Sutton in Surrey ended when newly-married Mr Holland and his wife decided to make Bognor their home.

He worked for an estate agent before buying an established property business in West Street in 1984 and calling it Holland and Holland.

He merged with fellow property company George Alexander in 2001 to form Holland and Alexander in Aldwick Road.