More than 15,000 people descended on Eastbourne to see skating of every variety at the world-renowned Skate 2003 event.

People from countries including Germany and France attended the two-day showpiece over the weekend along more than a mile of seafront.

Organisers today hailed the event as the best yet despite the weather forcing a few attractions to be cancelled.

It was the sixth Skate event and it has emerged as one of Eastbourne's most lucrative tourist attractions, generating millions for the resort's economy.

However, this year was the first time it has been organised over a whole weekend and the first time competitions had been held.

Skate 2003, feted as the UK's biggest skate event, drew people of all ages, with some features leading to crowds five-deep.

Organiser Tim Wheals said today: "It was a superb success.

"I've been reading through some of the emails we've received from people who attended and every single one has been positive."

Attractions on Saturday included a speed slalom, hockey competitions, a high jump and long jump contest and tug o'war.

Rain saw off plans to hold a night skate and barbecue but organisers said Sunday was a huge success with more than 300 demonstrators.

Another eye-catching spectacle was a procession along Eastbourne seafront on Saturday during the Lammas Festival.

The annual event, run by Eastbourne Pagan Circle since 2001, featured an array of traditional attractions but organisers agreed this year's highlight was the parade to the town's pier.

Drummers dressed in period dress followed 16ft tall, manned statues of pagan gods Herne and Andred, both made from wicker and papier mach.

Pagan circle member Jerry Bird was delighted with the number of people enjoying the events, most of which were based around the Wish Tower.

He said: "The aim is to have a bit of a carnival and we have revived the idea of giant figures which was an English custom before Oliver Cromwell's time.

"The parade has the giant figures along with drummers, who are traditionally dressed up with painted faces.

"This sort of thing used to be frowned upon by the Church so those involved in the parade used to disguise themselves so they would not be recognised when begging for money. Of course, this time we were collecting money for the RNLI."