Newhaven Coastwatch members man a cliff top tower at Castle Hill 365 days a year, keeping a sharp eye out for any problems at sea, on the cliffs or beach.

Around 35 volunteers work shifts at the tower as part of work by the National Coastwatch Institute (NCI).

The NCI was set up in 1994 after government cuts forced many coastguard stations to close.

In the same year two Cornish fisherman drowned in sight of a newly unmanned watch tower.

Newhaven Coastwatch received Declared Facility Status in August 2007, making it formally part of the NCI organisation.

But due to a desire to expand, the committee is urging more people to come forward and help out.

Chairman Tony Fortnam said: 'Anyone is welcome, any age or sex.

'They can put in as much or as little time as they want and you need no previous experience or knowledge of the sea.

'We do all our own training and to start with people will be on watch with an experienced volunteer.'

Ann Abbot, secretary, said: 'You really feel you are giving something back and it is a great bunch of people.'

Mr Fortnam and his committee hope more volunteers will allow operating hours to be extended, at least in the summer months.

As well as looking for more volunteers the committee is getting started on a project to make the watchtower more accessible.

Built in the early 1960s to replace a small Lookout inside Newhaven Fort the tower is only accessible by ladder.

Thanks to a £30,000 donation from the Gannet Trust and other fundraising the group plans to replace this with proper stairs to make it easier to take up equipment and to allow more visitors.

To volunteer as a watchkeeper, donate money or help out in anyway call the lookout on 01273 516464 or call Cornelius Vanderveldt on 01273 512791/ 07930153617 or email nci-cass.v@hotmail.com

For more information visit http://www.ncinewhaven.org.uk/index.php