THE organisers of a fundraiser for a new memorial to remember a group of fishermen who tragically died at sea have described it as a "success".

Old Bills Valeting, Seaford, raised a total of £500 through a raffle and donating 10 per cent of their earnings from June as part of efforts to remember those lost at sea.

Robert Morley and Adam Harper lost their lives after their boat, the Joanna C, sank in November last year.

Captain Dave Bickerstaff was pulled from the water by lifeboat crews, after he was found holding on to a lifebuoy almost four hours after the tragedy.

The incident sparked an outpouring of support from across the county, as hundreds gathered for a two-minute silence as part of tributes to the pair.

Robert's family launched an appeal for a memorial to placed in the harbour - to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

Speaking to The Argus, organiser Kira Phillips said: "It was a success.

"It was just lovely. It was quite a positive experience, although it was emotional for the family, it was a nice atmosphere there.

"We had fantastic support from MP Maria Caulfield and councillor Lesley Boniface - they were both lovely.

"It was a really lovely experience for us all involved."

The memorial will be made out of brass and galvanised steel and be placed near the RNLI lifeboat station, where rescue boats left to try and find the men.

It will also feature an anchor set in concrete, with a pillar and a net full of fish, which will have the names of the dead fisherman engraved on them.

The memorial will also remember Darren Brown, who lost his life while working on the Our Sarah Jane in 2016.

Speaking to The Argus last month, Robert Morley's stepfather, Barry Woolford said it has been "marvellous" to see the community supporting the families.

He said: "We're not going to get over the loss of Robert ever, I don't think.

"From the moment the boat went down, people have been brilliant but Newhaven hasn't got a memorial for any fisherman.

"This isn't just for Robert, it is Adam Harper and Darren Brown."