Graham Norton to open Mais House summer fete

TV star Graham Norton, who recently took up residence in the town, will kick off the fun at Mais House, Hastings Road, next Saturday, July 10, at 2pm.

And the well-known comedian, who appears regularly on the BBC, Channel 4, and for Comic Relief, praised the British Legion's work, saying it "seems incredibly worthwhile at a time like now with our forces abroad and cuts at home."

A keen local dog-walker, Graham added he was "really enjoying" settling into Bexhill: "but not as much as my dogs '“ who don't understand why we ever have to go back to London."

Sue Jones, manager of Mais House, said: "We're really pleased because it will mean that we will attract more visitors on the day.

"That's good news for the home. I'm sure plenty of celebrities would say no, so we are really pleased about Graham."

"Our annual fete is very important to us in several ways. It helps us to raise awareness about the home, it attracts volunteers who can come and support us in the work we do and the money we raise goes directly to the residents."

Little Common Band join Bexhill's Carnival Queen and Princesses and Rye Dance School in entertaining the crowds. A barbecue, ice cream stall, tombola and raffle, as well as craft and cake stalls, make this a real family occasion.

Strawberries and cream are on offer for all who come, with the "Pie Man" on hand to sustain those looking for something a little more substantial.

For information about the fete, or about asking Sue to speak, free of charge, to your organisation about the work of Mais House, contact 01424 215871.