Eastbourne has won a tourism award for the second year running.

The seaside resort once again fought off competition from Brighton, Bournemouth, Morecambe, Blackpool and the Isle of Wight to win the title of Most Group Friendly UK Destination in the Group Travel Awards 2002.

Town officials picked up the award at a prestigious ceremony at the London Hilton Hotel last week.

Eastbourne Borough Council leader Beryl Healy said: "The award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all staff in the council's tourism department and the thousands of people employed in hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses that serve visitors to Eastbourne so well."

The town was nominated by readers of Group Travel Organiser Magazine.

Recent investment in the town has included a £100 million marina, £75 million on the seafront, improving water quality and the promenade, a £3 million sports park and £1 million spent on theatre improvements.

Chairman of Eastbourne Hotels Association Ian Millar, who runs the Cromwell Private Hotel, said: "The award once again proves Eastbourne is a welcoming resort and has a customer-friendly attitude.

"Our rewards are in the satisfaction of ensuring our guests enjoy every moment of their stay, reflected by the fact that many return year after year."

Other popular events in the town include the largest free skate festival in the country in July and the largest free RAF airshow, Airbourne, in August.