A STREET party helped build community spirit.

Residents of Stafford Road in Seaford pooled together to provide live music, dancing, face painting, craft activities and games for their first Meet the Neighbours party.

Trevor Jones, 58, and his wife Linda Parker, 54, had the idea in March and contacted Lewes District Council to get permission to close the road.

About 60 people turned out for the free event, which ran from 2pm until 9pm and residents from neighbouring roads were also welcomed with a drink.

Singer and performing arts student Shannon Smith entertained and another married couple drummed up interest for the street party with their samba band Barulho, with 15 people banging drums and cow bells.

Mr Jones said: “Everyone was up dancing and people from streets away came along to see what the fuss was about and joined in.”

Seaford Baptist Church also lent the party a sound system.

Mr Jones added: “We had quite an eventful day.

“Next year we’ll have even more people turning up.

“We set out to have fun and that’s exactly what we did.”