THOUSANDS of people braved the elements to make the first ever Worthing Summer Cinema a resounding success.

High winds and rain did not deter the crowds as people flocked to Denton Gardens this weekend as Worthing Borough Council organised the town’s first alfresco cinema.

Whether it was laughing along to Diary of a Wimpy Kid or sitting on the edge of their seats during Spielberg’s epic Jaws, more than two thousand people attended a range of screenings over three days.

Among them was the Mayor of Worthing Councillor Paul Baker, who joined hundreds for The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday evening.

Council staff also entertained 91-year-old Audrey Wells who was delighted to sit back with an ice cream on a deckchair and watch her favourite film The Jungle Book.

Other visitors sampled freshly-prepared food from a range of local providers, such as The Fish Factory, Jasmines Thai Cuisine and Guiseppes Lite, while the bar was popular throughout.

A council spokesman said: “We’re pleased that after months of planning hundreds of people flocked to the Worthing Summer Cinema this weekend.

“While we could not do anything about the weather, the general feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive.

“We want to thank all those people that came along throughout the weekend, bringing smiles and enthusiasm by the bucket load - as well as a few brollies - to enjoy the event.

“Unfortunately, due to high winds, two of the films on Friday had to be cancelled.

“But, for the rest of the weekend, in true British style, the weather failed to dampen anyone’s spirit.

“As with all new events, there are things that we will learn from the experience and we will sit down and assess everything, including whether we bring it back again next year.”