During the last sunny bank holiday, it was lovely to see my two daughters (aged four and six) having such fun paddling in the sandy, shallow sea water near Brighton's West Pier - that was until I realised right next to the spot I had chosen was a groyne concealing a pipe spewing out water from an unknown source.

Although the water from the pipe and in the surrounding area seemed clean enough, it got me thinking.

I don't want to spoil my children's fun but just how safe is it to let them bathe or even paddle along Brighton and Hove's seafront?

What is being released into the shallow water from these mysterious pipes?

Are some parts of the beach cleaner than others and, if so, where should I choose to go next time?

And, finally, are there any statistics available as to how many children become ill as a result of swimming in the sea in our area?

Please could someone enlighten me and reassure me that I'm not endangering my children by allowing them such simple pleasures?

-Mary Kalmus, Round Hill Crescent, Brighton