Boy bands and girl groups stormed Sussex yesterday for the spectacular Party in the Park showcase - and one babe made an unexpected appearance.

Paramedic crews were called in when a pregnant woman went into labour minutes after the annual Southern FM bash kicked off in Preston Park, Brighton.

The mother-to-be was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital by St John Ambulance teams.

More than 80,000 pop fans chanced the grey Sunday skies and were rewarded with sizzling sets from a host of top acts, including Atomic Kitten, Mel C and the Sugababes, as well as a few glimpses of sunshine.

Mis-teeq, Daniel Bedingfield, Girls Aloud, Blazin Squad, Kym Marsh and the Cheeky Girls strutted their stuff on the giant stage - flanked by screens beaming up text messages from the crowd.

But the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for boy band Busted - who stole hearts with their high-energy show as they brought the festival to a close.

Bras, knickers and teddies littered the stage as enthusiastic fans pledged their undying love to hard-rockin' trio Matt, Charlie and James.

Road and rail routes were clogged from early in the morning and police reported eight arrests for minor drink-related offences but organisers said this year's bash was the best ever.

thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk/pictures