The annual wasp invasion has hit Sussex early this summer because of the mild weather.

Increasing numbers of the insects have been spotted in parks and gardens over the past few days.

It is good news for gardeners as wasps, like ladybirds, feed on garden pests.

But it was not such good news for Gary Phillips, who ended up in hospital after a bad reaction to a wasp sting.

The 40-year-old, from Felpham, near Bognor, said: “There were ten wasps flying around. I shooed one away and the little devil got me.

“My hand swelled up to double the size because of the poison. I couldn’t even bend it. It was very painful.”

At the Arundel Bathtub Race on Saturday paramedics had to help several people suffering from wasp stings.

Ed Dark, 29, assistant manager of the Black Rabbit pub, said: “I’ve heard of different methods to keep them away but nothing seemed to work.

It’s hard to avoid them. Luckily we had paramedics on hand.”

Zoe Bunter, development manager at insect conservation charity Buglife, said: “We always see more wasps at this time of year.

The structure of the nest is breaking down so there is no more of the sticky sweet substance left behind by larvae, which means the adult wasps are left hungry and go looking for food.”