Eastbourne's economy was boosted by about £6 million thanks to the weekend's spectacular air show.

More than 700,000 people from across the UK crammed into Eastbourne for the four-day Airbourne 2003, an increase of about 50,000 on last year.

Restaurants, hotels and other companies reported sharp increases in business from Friday until Airbourne's spectacular firework finale from the pier on Sunday evening.

And police reported only a handful of minor incidents, with three arrests for drunken behaviour.

The millions Airbourne 2003 attracted to Eastbourne is more than any other tourist event the town hosts, including Skate and the women's international tennis tournament at Devonshire Park.

Visitors marvelled at displays by the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Xtra 300 aerobatic team.

On the ground, thousands of people mingled among dozens of displays organised by the RAF plus rows of classic cars.

Peter Hawley, chairman of the Eastbourne Hotels' Association, said about half of all guests over the weekend were in town specifically for Airbourne.

He said today: "It certainly was a big boost for us. The hotels did terrific business over the four days. It has become such a regional event with people coming to Eastbourne from neighbouring counties. Airbourne was fabulously run and yet again proved how important it is to Eastbourne."

Councillor Mike Thompson, borough council Cabinet spokesman for culture, said: "We're awaiting results to establish the true value of Airbourne to Eastbourne's economy.

"The town was full, with Beachy Head proving a very popular viewing spot and the park-and-ride scheme was a big success.

"Preliminary figures suggest Airbourne is worth in the region of £6 million to Eastbourne's economy.

"We know that many restaurants had large queues and traders have reported excellent figures."

Swarms of people crowded on to the promenade, the beaches and the Western Lawns to watch displays, with cars driving bumper to bumper along the seafront.

RAF squadron leader Howard Ball said: "We had a fantastic response to all our exhibits and we're pleased to have the RAF police and their dogs as part of our display."

John Herington, chairman of event sponsors CSMA, was delighted.

He said: "Not only was the event bigger and better than ever but we noted thousands more of our members and families attended."

Wednesday August 20, 2003