Flood victims gathered at a Christmas party organised to provide light relief after months of worry.

Young and old took part in yesterday's event, organised by the Lewes Flood Aftercare Group and held at All Saints Arts Centre.

The highlight of the afternoon was a performance by folk singer and celebrity busker Don Partridge, who is best known for his Sixties hits Breakfast On Pluto and Rosie.

The children built a grotto for Father Christmas, who visited the party and gave out presents.

Many victims of the floods are still living in temporary accommodation in towns such as Newick and Crowborough, far from their friends and communities.

Organiser Pauline Lewis said: "Christmas can be a difficult time anyway and especially if you have just experienced all the things that have happened here.

"We thought it would be nice to have some kind of party as a way of getting people together."

Angela Lawrence, 51, who had to leave her flat in Spencer's Court by lifeboat after it was submerged, said: "It is great they have organised the party and particularly good for the community.

"Christmas hasn't been all that great, though at least we had family to go to. We won't be able to go back home until April."