Thousands of pounds was raised for charity during a bonfire spectacular, which attracted more than 50,000 people.

Crowds lined the pavements as the Littlehampton Bonfire Society procession wound its way through the seaside town.

Last year, the 50th anniversary fireworks display had to be cancelled after gale force winds battered the coast but this year conditions were perfect.

Special guests from Littlehampton's twin town of Durmersheim in Germany were said to be "amazed" by the sight of medieval knights, Native Americans, Aztecs and Napoleonic soldiers carrying blazing torches and pulling tar barrels engulfed in flames.

The various bonfire societies from Littlehampton, Lewes, Uckfield, Burgess Hill and Maresfield were accompanied by seven steam traction engines and marching bands.

Several of the floats had a heaven and hell theme, with the White Lodge residential home in East Preston winning top prize for its ancient Greek tableau.

Littlehampton lifeboat crew pulled along blankets into which the public threw handfuls of coins.

Alvin Stardust visited in a double-decker bus to promote the Christmas pantomime Peter Pan at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing, in which he plays Captain Hook.

Secretary of the Littlehampton Bonfire Society Richard Cooper said about £6,900 had been raised.

Most of the money will go to St Barnabas' Hospice in Columbia Drive, West Durrington.

Andrew Shaerf, community fund-raiser for the hospice, said: "We are grateful for all he help we receive from the public, and once again to Littlehampton Bonfire Society who have supported us so well for many years."

TS Implacable, Littlehampton's Nautical Training Corps, also received a donation towards the refurbishment of its new divisional headquarters.

Smaller awards will be presented to the Mod Mums Playgroup, towards the purchase of new toys, and the Sussex branch of the Huntington's Disease Association.

Mr Cooper said: "We are delighted. We have in the past had estimates of more than 50,000 people attending and Saturday was certainly equal to that.

"We are pleased with what was collected but it is not a record, which is a little disappointing."

As the procession finished, a giant bonfire on The Green was lit, sending flames spiralling more than 50ft into the air.

It was accompanied by a fireworks display, using pyrotechnics held over from last year's weather-wrecked 50th anniversary show.