A flamboyant pier owner is staging a charity birthday barbecue on Sunday – and all charities can attend free.

Sheikh Abid Gulzar, who owns Eastbourne Pier, is 72 this weekend.

He celebrates his birthday each year by putting on a bumper barbecue

This year he is extending the invitation to members of Sussex charities – and they can attend with no charge.

The event is on Sunday from noon until 5pm at the Lions Boship Farm Hotel on the A22 at Hailsham.

A family ticket for four costs just £15.

There is an eat and drink as much as you can barbecue plus entertainment and children’s activities.

Charities to benefit this year include:

l East Sussex Cruse Bereavement Care

l Macmillan Cancer Support

l SASBAH – Sussex Association for spina bifida and hydrocephalus

l Children with Cancer Fund based at Polegate

l The Chaseley Trust at South Cliff, Eastbourne.

Mr Gulzar said: “It is my birthday weekend and I want to welcome hundreds of people again to my hotel.

“I cover all the costs so we can donate all monies raised to these most wonderful charities.

“It’s always a great afternoon and I want to make people smile.”

Mr Gulzar is happy to welcome people from charities free of charge.

He said: “I am a regular supporter of charities but my priority is always to give to Sussex charities.

“So if you belong to a charity and want to come along, everything will be completely free.

“This is my gift to the people of Sussex.

“Those who pay know that every penny will go to charity. That is my pledge.

“And those who turn up free of charge because they belong to a charity – well that’s my way of saying thank you very much for all the hard work you do to support others.”

Mr Gulzar said the weather forecast was perfect.

He said: “It’s going to be a hot Sunday and the Boship really is beautiful with 17 acres of land.

“There will be singers, children’s entertainment and loads of food and drink.

“The Sea Gypsies belly dancers will also be performing at 2pm. I will be cooking some of the food myself.

“This really is the highlight of my year so come and have fun.”

To book your place call 07710 934 574 or you can turn up on the day.

The Boship is about 30 minutes drive from Brighton city centre.