Former Bath Tub queen speaks out - reader poll

Toni, now a mother of two, of Greentrees Crescent, Sompting, was first crowned Adur Bath Tub Queen in 1983, when she was just 17. She won the title again five years later.

Organisers Shoreham and Southwick Round Table announced last week they were pulling the plug on the bath tub race for health and safety reasons.

Excessive drinking, rising insurance rates and injuries caused by people throwing eggs and stones were cited among the problems.

"I just think it's so sad," said Toni. "Not only will local charities miss out on all the fund-raising that has taken place over the years (250,000 raised in 35 bath tub races), but hundreds of competitors and spectators, myself included, will also be denied their annual dose of summer silliness."

Toni said her 15-year-old son, Josh, was particularly "cheesed off" as he had planned to take part in the race this year with Boundstone Youth Wing.

"I missed the race last year," she said, "but cycled up to the start two years ago with my daughter Lexie (now aged six).

"I can also remember many years ago rowing in the race for Quayside Youth Club, Southwick.

"All the boys abandoned us, legging it at the cement works, and it was left to just myself and my mum to battle it out in our tub for the wooden spoon in what must have been the slowest race ever!"

It might be years since Toni last wore the Adur Bath Tub Queen sash, but you can go to our homepage, at www.shorehamtoday.co.uk, and see her reigning over a readers' poll on whether the bath tub race should be revived or not.

Toni, naturally, says "yes". What do you think?