Prime Minister Tony Blair is lending his support to a giant three-day fair being held in Worthing.

He has sent a letter of goodwill to the organisers of the Worthing Millennium Seafront Fair.

More than 350,000 visitors are expected to flock to the town during the free event, which starts on July 28.

The annual fair is believed to be one of the biggest seaside events along the South Coast and holds the record for covering the longest pitch of any seafront market, both commercial and charity, in the South.

This year there will be about 150 stalls, including ones run by a range of charities such as the British Polio Fellowship, the St John Ambulance, the Muscular Dystrophy Society, Retreat Horse Rescue, Worthing Women's Aid and the Worthing and District Cats' Protection League.

The other highlights include a torchlight procession, a fireworks display, a big screen on the seafront for outdoor movies, displays by the Royal Marines, live bands and a funfair.

Mr Blair said in his letter: "The millennium offers all of us the opportunity to think about how we can contribute to our communities and society at large.

"As well as benefiting many local charities, the fair is an opportunity for the community and visitors to get together and enjoy the festivities."

"I should therefore like to wish everyone involved in this year's fair, whether as an organiser or simply as a visitor, a very special day out."

The event is being sponsored by Norwich Union, Southern Water, Lloyds TSB and The Fabric Shop, among others.

The fair is run by the Worthing Seafront Festival Trust, which is a registered charity.

It has helped to raise more than £500,000 for local charities in the past and is one of the most popular seafront events in the South-East.

A spokesman for the festival said: "By promoting the historical and educational pageant this year in millennium year, we hope and expect to attract more visitors.

"We also hope to raise increased funds for local community groups and charities through the events we have on offer."