Householders fighting to save their cliff top homes from crumbling into the sea have found unlikely allies in singing divas The Supremes.

Members of the legendary Motown act paid a surprise visit to Fairlight, near Hastings, to back residents battling to safeguard 200 homes from erosion.

Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne and Freddi Poole posed for pictures on the cliff during a two-week UK tour.

The US trio - now known as The Former Ladies Of The Supremes - heard about the threat to homes through Fairlight Cove resident Jim Saphin.

Mr Saphin, 57, was president of the British Diana Ross and The Supremes fan club for four years in the Sixties until work commitments forced him to quit in 1970.

After Diana Ross left the trio to pursue a solo career, Mr Saphin maintained contact with most of the line-up and learned they would be touring the UK and playing at Camber Sands, near Rye.

Mr Saphin, a retired BA cabin crew member, said: "The group mentioned they would be performing at Camber Sands and I said that is close to where I live.

"I asked them round to my house for tea, not really thinking they would come. But to my surprise they called me and came round.

"They turned up at 5pm, had a look round the house and we had dinner. Later we saw them at Camber Sands and they were brilliant.

"During our conversations I explained to them the threat to our houses because of the erosion.

"They thought it was such a beautiful place and were so horrified to learn 200 homes would be lost to the sea that they offered their support.

"They happily posed up for pictures on the cliff top. They were marvellous, sincere and fabulous."

Already five houses have been swept away in Fairlight since 1999. In 100 years' time engineers predict up to 195 of the village's 760 homes could fall.

Efforts have been made to halt the erosion in parts of the village.

In 1989 and 1990, 500m of coastline protection made of granite blocks was built, costing £3 million, before the area was made a site of special scientific interest by English Nature.

While the bund has proved successful, homes are under threat further along at Rockmead Road because no coastal protection exists.

Strict rules govern the modifications which can be made to the cliffs protect homes.

The area is designated a site of special scientific interest, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a special area for conservation.

Members of the Fairlight Cove Preservation Trust raised £57,850 towards a geological survey which would save 155 homes.

If the Government agrees to pay more than 80 per cent of the £4 million cost to shore up the cliffs they will get the cash back.

In the meantime, Mr Saphin said his house faces a growing threat. He said: "We've lost about 20ft in the ten years we have been here.

"The cracks started to appear in 1998. Last year we lost about six inches but we haven't lost any so far this year.

"We hope something can be done. With the support of the Former Ladies of The Supremes I'm sure we'll get there."