It's Sussex Day and people across the county are marking the occasion by celebrating Sussex’s rich heritage and culture.

Sussex Day was launched in 2007 to coincide with the feast of Saint Richard, who was the Bishop of Chichester in the 13th century.

It marks the anniversary of the translation of Saint Richard’s body from its original burial place in the nave of Chichester Cathedral to an elaborate shrine at the cathedral on June 16 1276.

The idea initially came from Worthing resident and prolific Argus writer Ian Steedman, who suggested the idea to the then leader of West Sussex County Council Henry Smith, now the MP for Crawley.

The Argus: The flag of Sussex flying from Lewes CastleThe flag of Sussex flying from Lewes Castle

This year’s festivities will be the first since Mr Steedman’s death in February.

His widow Ruth said: “Ian was always up to some caper or other. He was Sussex mad and loved Brighton and Hove.

“Recently he wanted Worthing to be made a city - it meant everything to him. He loved Sussex Day, he did everything he could to promote it.

“Sussex meant the world to him.”

Councillor Pete Bradbury, chairman of West Sussex County Council, said: “We’ve already enjoyed the coronation of King Charles III this year and now we have another chance to celebrate, this time Sussex Day.

“Sometimes it’s easy to forget just what a great county we live in. Sussex Day is an opportunity to pause and appreciate this wonderful part of the world that’s home to almost 900,000 people and that welcomes tens of thousands more each year as visitors from across the world.

“At the county council, we encourage communities to come together, take advantage of everything our county has to offer and support our vibrant and prosperous economy.

“As we’re heading into the summer, you could explore the stunning array of walks in our beautiful countryside or along our 50 miles of coastline, or discover the county’s vast selection of art, culture, heritage, nature, events, venues, sport and eateries.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy Sussex Day and hope you will discover something new to enjoy in our county.”

Mayor of Brighton and Hove Cllr Jackie O'Quinn has lived in the county for nearly 30 years.

She said: “I have an excellent appreciation of the county as a whole. The extraordinary differences in the Sussex countryside are probably what I love best about Sussex.

"There is the coastal plain in the south-west, centred around Chichester, which is heavily agricultural land and quite beautiful. There are then the rolling chalk hills and the South Downs and beyond that the wooded Sussex Weald."

East Sussex County Council Chairman Peter Pragnell said: “Sussex Day gives us a great opportunity not only to celebrate the beautiful county we are part of, but the strength and generosity of our local communities.”

Readings of the Sussex Charter often take place in towns across the county to mark the occasion, which proclaims residents of the county to be responsible for the wellbeing of our neighbours, to be guardians of the county’s wildlife and to support local businesses.