Reader Walter Funnell from Woodingdean was keen to know more about these curious columns which used to be on Saltdean seafront.

The picture, and the information, come from The Saltdean Story published by Phillimore in 1985.

Author Douglas d’Enno says they probably came from the 1924 Empire exhibition at Wembley in London.

The stone columns were in a classical style, surmounted by griffins and proud birds of prey. They were erected by Charles Neville, developer of much of Saltdean, but better known for founding Peacehaven.

Douglas d’Enno writes: “They were a familiar sight for several years, seeming proudly to stand guard over the ancient Saltdean Gap.” Their ultimate fate is unknown.