Walkers raise £8,000 hiking around lighthouse

Around £8,000 has been raised by 1,000 people who took part in a challenge to walk around a lighthouse in East Sussex at low tide.

The annual Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge, which took place on Sunday, involved walkers setting off and returning to Holywell on Eastbourne seafront.

The two-hour round trip walk, which is organised by Eastbourne AM Rotary Club, is only possible on certain days of the year due to tide times.

The event attracts participants from all over the UK and beyond, with one couple flying in for it from the United States.

Organiser Martin Wellings said: "It was another amazing day.

"The weather was perfect and we were delighted at the high turnout once again.

"It really is a unique event which appeals to so many, both local and much further away."

Profits go to local charities, while part of the funds raised are set aside towards the next re-paint of the lighthouse.

The red and white stripes of Beachy Head lighthouse were repainted in 2013 after a £27,000 fundraising campaign.

Owner Trinity House had announced in 2011 that it could no longer afford to repaint the distinctive red and white stripes.

That sparked a public campaign for the repainting and the first Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge took place that year.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.