A retiring landlord whose rural pub inspired one of East Sussex's most popular festivals is bowing out after being told he is too old to continue.

More than 3,000 people are expected at the four-day Black Horse Music Festival in Telham, near Battle, over the May bank holiday weekend.

For 67-year-old Eddie Dunford, landlord of the Black Horse Inn, it will end a 17-year association with the event, dubbed the biggest little festival in Britain.

Two years ago, brewers Shepherd Neame called time on his 35-year spell at the Black Horse Inn because he had hit the compulsory retirement age of 65.

But following customer opposition, including the raising of a 3,000-name petition, the brewer relented and agreed to give Mr Dunford two one-year tenancy extensions.

It said Mr Dunford could continue until he reached 67 but would then definitely have to move on, meaning his time has now come.

He said: "At first when they said I'd have to go I wasn't too happy. But now I've got used to the idea, realise I've got to move on and am planning ahead.

"The customers were disappointed and we drew attention to the fact that the chairman of Shepherd Neame was older than I am.

"Things have moved on now though and a new landlord is due to start in June. What will happen to the festival after this year I just don't know at the moment."

To mark Mr Dunford's swansong, the final evening of this year's festival will be dedicated to the publican and called Eddie-Fest.

He has been asked by organisers to choose his favourite performers, within reason, to appear.

And he is being promised a fitting farewell to end his long association with the event.

The Black Horse Inn was home to one of the South-East's most important folk clubs, run by Ian Dobson and John Towner.

Out of this emerged the Black Horse Festival, held in fields behind the pub and attracting a eclectic range of performers from across Britain and abroad.

It has grown in size and in reputation over the years.

This year 28 acts will line-up from May 27 to 30, including blues, jump jive, rock n roll and contemporary and traditional folk music.

Organiser John Shotton said: "This is this area's most important festival and probably the only festival of its type in the country and people come from all over to be a part.

"Eddie has been here from the very beginning, seeing it emerge into this multi-faceted four-day festival which attracts thousands of people.

"It is going to be Eddie's swansong and we've invited all his favourite performers to make sure it is extra special for him."

For tickets, ranging from £4 to £10, call 01424 781111 or 01424 773109. For more details log on to www.blackhorsefestival.org.uk.