Hundreds of stick-wielding sportsmen and women descended on Worthing at the bank holiday weekend for the Penguin Mixed Hockey Festival.

A total of 80 teams from as afar afield as Germany turned up for the event, which takes place each May bank holiday and was attended by Worthing Mayor Eric Mardell.

He said: "It was a very enjoyable couple of hours going around and talking to the teams. They are a very cheerful crowd."

Each team played two matches at Palatine Park, Worthing Sports Centre and Northbrook College.

But it wasn't all about the hockey.

With a beer tent, band, food marquee and two evening dances, the end-of-season celebration, now in its 30th year, proved a test for even the most ardent party animal.

Festival secretary Samantha Lang said: " There was a lot of beer flowing.

"The main idea is for people to enjoy the hockey and the team spirit. Everyone always plays to win but it's nice friendly hockey."

About a dozen teams entered for the first time this year.

German club Merz Schule, from Stuttgart, were among the stars, along with a team called the Zebedees, fielded by festival organisers the Penguin Hockey Club, which plays at Palatine Park.