Street party raises nearly £3,000 for Thank The Forces charity

A 'GOOD old fashioned' street party has raised close to three thousand pounds for a Sussex charity which supports British Forces serving in Afghanistan.

Thank The Forces Charity hosted the street party, which was the brainchild of Kim Peppiatt and son Keaton, at Chestnut Walk, Little Common on August 1.

Keaton, 12, has won numerous awards for his volunteer work for Thank The Forces, including a prestigious 'Child of Courage Award' from HRH Prince Harry in 2009.

The party kicked off with the arrival of the Lord Lieutenant Peter Field, and Mayor of Bexhill, Jimmy Carroll. Hundreds of supporters attended the event and they clapped and cheered as the '1066 Pipe and Drums Band' played a medley of music.

As the VIPs took their places the crowd, including many who had travelled from all over the county, poured into Chestnut Walk, cheering as the 1066 Pipe and Drums band played a new piece of music dedicated to the British Force serving in Afghanistan.

The afternoon of dancing and fun continued with music performed by The 'Howlin Blues Band'. They sang and played a varied selection of music which had people dancing in the street whilst onlookers enjoyed a hog roast and an ice cold Pimms at the bar.

Thank The Forces Charity is the only MOD approved Charity in Sussex authorised by the MOD to send gift boxes to front line troops serving in the Operation Theatre of Afghanistan.

Founder Sue Smith said: "The afternoon surpassed all expectations, the sun shone, the crowds arrived and I would like to thank everyone for their amazing support.