Big Success for Bexhill's Little Helpers

The event was organised by Bexhill's Little Helpers and raised a total of 375, with all 120 tickets sold out.

Sandy Ralph, of Bexhill's Little Helpers, said: "It went very well - we were very pleased with how it went.

"We had never done anything like that before, and we did hope it would go well - but it was absolutely brilliant.

"The last groups who played kept on going because they were getting so many encores - everybody wanted them to keep playing. It was fantastic and the atmosphere was wonderful."

Live music was provided by Suspect, Gunmetal, and Smoke and Mirrors, with fun competitions such as Abba and Elvis look and sound-alikes, plus raffles, tombola, jewellery stall and games.

Prizes were donated by local businesses, including Tel's music, Earl's the bakery, Candy Corner, Carroll's and The Farmhouse Kitchen.

Father Christmas also put in an appearance, assisted by a pixie helper, and handed out presents to youngsters as early Christmas treats.

Sandy put the event together with Natasha Chamberlain and they are aiming to repeat their success.

"We are hoping to do it next year but we will be sticking to local charities. We want to raise money for the Sidley area such as for the schools and church.

"We do feel encouraged...At first we had a couple of people let us down, but at the last minute we were getting phone calls from people asking when we wanted them to be there. We were thinking - we have got to make this a success.

"We are hoping to get more people on board next year if possible."