The main event of the Paddle Round The Pier festival has had to be cancelled because of high winds and rough seas.

Organisers of the watersports festival on Brighton seafront said they could not risk sending hundreds of surfers, kayakers and raft riders on the mass paddle from one side of the derelict West Pier to the other for the traditional centrepiece of the event.

Director Dave Samuel said: "It's a shame but obviously safety has to come first. We can't take a risk with people's well-being. The good thing is that the weather has created a lot of waves so quite a few people have gone out surfing anyway."

The Met Office said winds were predicted to gust at up to 44mph in Brighton this afternoon when the main paddle was due to take place.

The paddle something unusual event, where participants take to the sea in home-made rafts and contraptions, has been moved to Hove Lagoon where it will start at 2pm.

Mr Samuel said the rest of the festival, which features a live band stage, trade stalls and a variety of attractions will still be going ahead on Hove Lawns, near the Peace Statue on the seafront.

Thousands of visitors went to the first day of the two-day event yesterday and watched competitors take part in long distance kayak and stand-up paddleboard races.

Have you been to Paddle Round The Pier? We want to see your pictures of the event. Email them to pix@theargus.co.uk or text them to 80360 with SUPIC written at the start of the text box and details of who or what the pictures are of.