Taxi drivers fought it out yesterday in a seafront contest in aid of The Argus Appeal.

More than 25 cabbies competed in time trials over a slalom course at Madeira Drive, Brighton, to win the title of Taxi Driver of the Year and a £1,500 cash prize.

Beachgoers stopped to watch on their way to enjoy the sunshine.

Last year the title was scooped by Damien Norman, of Brighton Streamline, as the event raised about £3,500 for The Argus Appeal.

Organisers hope to top that with this year's event and a raffle and auction next week.

This year all the contenders came from Citicabs (205205), Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs (204060) and Hove Streamline (202020).

They competed over a slalom course which included two mock garages and a parking bay.

Crowds lined the route below the seafront arches to watch the drivers negotiate the route of barriers and traffic cones set up especially for the event.

The cabbies were driving against the clock, with time penalties for knocking down traffic cones or touching the garages.

The competition began at 10pm and continued until midafternoon.

The winners are due to be announced next Monday at a dinner at the Hilton Brighton Metropole in Kings Road, when money raised will be presented to The Argus Appeal.

Tony King, of Westminster Taxi Insurance, who helped organise the event, said: "It was a great day and well attended.

The weather was brilliant.

"We'd like to be able to beat last year's total but you never know until the night."

The Argus Appeal, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, aims to relieve sickness, poverty and hardship throughout Sussex.

Mr King said: "The fact that local charities get the money makes it all the more worthwhile.

It is a local event for drivers and all their clients are local. It is putting money back into the community."

Money from Taxi Driver of the Year comes from fundraising events and sponsors Westminster Taxi Insurance, Smith and Humphrey, who deal in London taxis, and the Becks of Brighton Peugeot dealership.