TOWN GEARS UP FOR SUMMER OF FUN

Latest to attract queues of athletic youngsters is the Northface climbing wall at the Knockhatch Adventure Park just off the A22.

Built just in time for the summer weather and lighter evenings the wall is in the form of a rough-hewn castle tower complete with hand and footholds.

Professional instructor Richard Whiley is on hand to ensure the wall is climbed in safety but there's enough gravity-defying excitement on hand to ensure would-be alpinists treat it with respect.

It's the latest in a series of attractions.

The bold and brave can jump down the three-storey giant skyleap slide or try their hand at go-karting and laser shooting. There's also crazy golf plus tractor rides, a chair-o-plane and soft play areas for little ones.

The park also stages heart-stopping bird of prey displays and the famous dry-ski centre hosts practice sessions plus snowboarding or skiing lessons all year round.

In the centre of the town is the Hailsham Leisure Centre's new ten-pin bowling centre, junior gym and toddler centre formally opened for business last month by TV weather celebrity Kaddy Lee-Preston.

But for family members who want to organise their own activities the town is ringed with glorious countryside and not a million miles from the coastal beaches.

The Pevensey Levels offer a wildlife-rich, peaceful landscape and Wealden woodland is easily accessible by foot or bike via the well-maintained Cuckoo Trail.

The famous Arlington bluebell walk offers everyone the chance to breathe in the heady scent of these iconic English flowers '“ no, they do not grow anywhere else and the season is such a short one you'll have to go there right now.