Dozens of mermaids marched along the seafront to send a message on ocean conservation.

The glittering parade set off from the Peace Statue in Hove bound for the Fortune of War pub in Brighton on Saturday.

Beyond the traditional mermaids, nautical themed costumes included lobsters, pirates and even cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants.

Mermaids rest on a wall near the peace statueMermaids rest on a wall near the peace statue (Image: Simon Dack)

While the focus was on fun, the parade had a serious message about ocean conservation.

With pollution incidents off the coast rising and the growing scourge of harmful plastic waste being left on beaches to be swept into the ocean, organiser Honour Mission set up the march to raise awareness.

A glittering pirate - complete with a parrot - took part in the marchA glittering pirate - complete with a parrot - took part in the march (Image: Simon Dack)

This year the march was raising money for the Wave Project, which gives young people aged between eight and 18 who need mental health support an opportunity to take to the waves and enjoy the sea.

This was the 12th March of the Mermaids - and the blustery wind and rain just moments before the parade did not put people off.

Awards were handed out for the best costumes.

See the full gallery by pressing the camera icon at the top of this article.