Dozens of people threw oranges and lemons along a freezing, windswept beach to remember Worthing's most famous shipwreck.

They assembled yesterday opposite Heene Terrace to mark the 104th anniversary of the sinking of the Indiana.

The merchant ship ran aground off the town on Friday, March 1, 1901, sparking incredible scenes as its cargo - tens of thousands of oranges and lemons - washed up on beaches from Goring to Rottingdean.

Thousands descended on to the shore to frantically collect the unexpected bounty.

A beachcomber died at Brighton after he waded into the surf and was bowled over by a wave.

Coastguards attempted to impound cases of fruit washed up intact but those broken against breakwaters were left to the mob.

The Indiana had earlier collided with another vessel in thick fog. After its crew abandoned ship, it drifted helplessly towards Worthing.

It was regarded as a navigation hazard and decades later it was blown up.

Despite the cold, more than 40 people remembered the events of more than a century ago.

The Argus stumped up two £50 cash prizes for the throwers who hurled an orange and a lemon the furthest along the beach.

The fruit was provided by Waitrose, which has a store in High Street, Worthing.

The youngest thrower was 17-month-old Anjelica Nicholls, who was cheered as she lobbed an orange about six inches before sitting down in a puddle.

Other competitors included former mayor of Worthing James Doyle.

The cash went to Lenny Black and Matt Dyer.

Councillor Tom Wye, who judged the proceedings, hoped it might become an annual event.