Clowns came back for a laugh

A total of 110 of the humourists turned out for the third in the latest series of clown gatherings. It is likely they will be back for a fourth time. The event is organised by Butlins, Clowns International and Bognor Regis Town Council.

Sue Holmes, the council's events officer, said: "Hopefully, the clowns will be back again. We need to have the detailed talks before we can be definite. But, as far as I am aware, everyone wants the event to take place in Bognor next year."

The first of the weekends, in 2006, attracted 68 participants. Last year saw 83 turn up to make the past weekend bigger and better still.

The clowns also spent more time in the community. A series of visits to schools and pre-schools took place in the run-up to the weekend's activities.

The time the clowns spent with the children was greeted enthusiastically by staff and youngsters.

A civic reception in Butlins last Friday provided the formal welcome to the town. Local musicians Carla Hendriks and the Ken Morgon Quintet supplied the entertainment.

The growing impact of the clowns on the town could be seen by the number of window displays in their honour.

The special layouts could be seen in Balloon a Doo, British Heart Foundation, Dragonfly Print and Design, Mind, Sight and Sound, St Wilfrid's shop (Queensway), Sue Ryder Care and Unique Promotions.

As well as clowns entertaining in the London Road precinct on Saturday, and taking part in Sunday's big parade, the weekend was packed with fun inside Butlins. These produced the Red Barrows wheelbarrow formation team, which won the Red Nose Academy within the holiday resort, to take part in the procession.

To see all the pictures taken by Observer photographers at the event, go to Photos Today on the website and click on the special gallery.