HUNDREDS of spectators gathered to watch residents race prams for charity.

A variety of themed prams raced on a bright but cold morning in the The East Hoathly and Halland Boxing Day Pram Race near Hailsham.

Large crowds gathered outside the King Heads in High Street, Hoathly, to see the Southern Rail and Sussex Police-themed prams race down the street.

The trophy was presented to Tony Cottrill and his Southern Rail-inspired pram team by Alice Cottingham on behalf of East Hoathly and Halland Carnival Society.

Kings Head landlord Robert Wallis said all the villagers were very excited.

He said: “There was a great turnout for the race in the pub and outside.

“People were excited as it’s a tradition around here.

“I’ve already heard from one or two they’re going to join in next year, so next year I’m sure even more people will come out."

The annual charity dash raises money for the carnival society and began in the seventies as part of the Christmas celebrations and has recently been revived.

The carnival society was formed in 1918 to commemorate Armistice Day and fundraises throughout the year for several charities.

This year the society held a special remembrance parade to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at the Lewes Bonfire Night.

The bonfire featured a 30ft high angel, sculpted by a local artist, gathering souls from the Battle of the Somme with newsreel images from the time projected onto the wooden structure.