Laughter filled the air when children and their parents enjoyed the opportunity to play in the street without having to worry about cars in Hove.

Children on bicycles took over the road as they also enjoyed hopscotch, chalk drawings and daffodil planting.

It was the third time the street has closed for two hours for the Playing Out event organised by parents.

Perpetua Kirby, 46, who introduced the Playing Out event in Hove, said: “It is not just about the kids, it is about all ages.

"It is very much about physical well-being and about social well-being in terms of networking in your community.”

While the event allows the children to use the street as their playground it also helps to bring the community closer together with parents getting to know each other over a cup of tea.

Charly Sommers, 36, said: “This gives you a chance to build friendships with your neighbours.

"The first time they opened the road I met more of my neighbours than in the whole year.”

Playing Out started in Bristol and is now spreading through Britain.

It aims to provide children with free and independent outdoor play, encouraging them to be creative and learn and grow through play.

Mrs Kirby first heard about the movement on a work conference, when the original organisers gave a presentation on their project.

Organising Playing Out is a team effort, with some of the residents taking over the roles of stewards while others provide tea and biscuits in exchange for a small donation.

The residents use 20% of the money to cover things like a necessary insurance while the other 80% are donated to a charity aiding children with motor impairments.