POP star Jarvis Cocker, whose hits include Common People and Disco 2000, stunned Bank Holiday crowds by turning up to watch a donkey derby.

Jarvis, singer with Pulp, mingled with the crowds at Seaford's Martello Fields yesterday.

After placing bets on one of the donkey races, the star stopped to watch an It's A Knockout competition.

Jarvis, 33, who was with a group of six friends, signed autographs and chatted to fans.

Dressed in black jeans, a parka jacket and sandals, he tried his luck on a hoopla stall before buying a cup of tea.

He said: "We have been staying in Brighton over the weekend and were just driving past. It is good to have a break from London.

"My donkey didn't win, which was a shame. I wouldn't fancy riding one myself."

The derby was staged by Newhaven, Peacehaven and Seaford Lions Club, with proceeds going towards a new mini-bus to be used by the needy.

Sylvia Davey, taking bets on the races, said: "I didn't really know who Jarvis was but some of the youngsters were talking to him."

Jarvis' next appearance in Sussex will be more high-profile. Pulp play the 5,000-capacity Brighton Centre on December 3.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.