Being a proud and supportive grandmother, I went along to the Brighton and Hove schools swimming gala, which was held on Saturday evening at the Prince Regent swimming pool.

My granddaughter, who loves swimming, had been entered by her school, which has no pool or lessons on its curriculum.

They were competing alongside many public schools, whose pupils as normal, had been coached and trained in competitive sports.

A letter from her school invited us to come along and support our children. I took a neighbour and two other children.

To our horror and disgust, the charge for spectators was £2.50 per adult and £1 per child. The normal price charged by the Prince Regent is 85p and the Dolphin club, which was putting on the gala, normally charge spectators 50p.

We were held to ransom - we had to pay or disappoint our children. This is another example of "rip off Britain".

We are forever facing increases of parking fees in Brighton and Hove and this is just another way of keeping people away from central Brighton.

What a shame a family evening, which should have been encouraged, was spoilt in this way.

-Ann Ellis, Hove