MORE than 1,000 walkers are expected to take part in a unique stroll around a lighthouse on Saturday.

The walk from Eastbourne seafront to Beachy Head Lighthouse is only possible when a low spring tide occurs at the right time and during daylight hours.

Around 900 took part last year and Eastbourne AM Rotary Club is hoping to hit four figures this weekend.

Organiser Martin Wellings said: “It has become very popular, with people coming from all over Sussex and farther afield.

“This is the fifth year and it really is a great afternoon.

“With the hot weather forecast, we are expecting a bumper turnout and we would like to see as many people as possible.”

The walk was originally started in 2011 when Trinity House decided not to re-paint the famous Beachy Head Lighthouse and allow it to slowly fade to its original grey granite colour.

This was because the stripes were no longer required to aid navigation.

A fundraising campaign was launched to raise £45,000.

Work on the painting began in September, 2013.

Some of the money was raised by staging the walk from the foot of the Downs in Eastbourne to the lighthouse and back.

Mr Wellings said: “It is quite staggering to think how this walk has developed over the four years.

The starting point will be at the kiosk at the foot of the Downs by St Bede’s school in Eastbourne between 4pm and 5.15pm.

People will set off across the Downs to Cow Gap which will take around 20 minutes.

Walkers will then go down steps to the beach and over the rocks, boulders, sand and seaweed to the lighthouse which most complete in around 55 minutes.

The times have to be pretty precise in order to take maximum advantage of the small window that allows people to walk around the lighthouse and return before the tide turns at sunset.

There is a fee of £6.50 for each adult or £3 for under 18s if you register online.

You can just turn up on the day when the cost is £7 for adults and £3.50 for children. Go to eastbourneam.org/our-club/community/lighthouse-challenge.