A CONVOY has successfully delivered equipment to an electricity substation, despite its arrival being delayed by almost a day.

The two loads, weighing roughly 300 tonnes each, took a 41-mile trip from Shoreham Port to the National Grid substation in Ninfield, near Bexhill.

However, an oil spill and difficulty navigating the gates of the port caused the convoy to be delayed by almost three hours.

By the time the convoy had been due to arrive, it parked for the night near Southerham roundabout in Lewes.

Residents of Polegate and Little Common took to the streets to greet the convoy as it went through their streets.

One person commented on Twitter that crowds in Polegate were reminiscent of a “royal visit” coming through town, as people lined the streets as the convoy approached.

The Argus: Crowds gathered on the streets of Polegate as the convoy made its way through the high streetCrowds gathered on the streets of Polegate as the convoy made its way through the high street

However, the vehicles delivering the 'abnormal load' faced one last challenge when approaching the substation - a van parked in the area the convoy needed to turn.

The delivery brought with it travel chaos for some motorists, with part of the A27 closed to allow special equipment to be put in place to help the equipment safely cross the River Ouse.

A diversion along the A270, A259 and A26 between Brighton and Newhaven was put in place, but that didn’t stop some motorists clogging roads in and around Lewes to avoid the closure.

The Argus: The 41-mile route the convoy took this weekendThe 41-mile route the convoy took this weekend

Other road users were reduced to a crawl along the A27 as the convoy made its way across Sussex, or were held temporarily by police as they escorted the equipment safely through the county.

Two loaders were each carrying equipment, which stretched over 70 metres long, described by the National Grid as “crucial” for the energy market and ensuring power is provided to thousands of homes and businesses throughout the region.