It's back to the good old days as children enjoy holiday fun

The largest turnout for years marked the 90th anniversary of the Felpham Holiday Special.

Joint leaders Jane Weavers, of the Scripture Union, and Felpham Methodist Church's Steve Swann were stunned by the response.

Ms Weavers said: "It is really lovely that we have had a bumper year again for our 90th year.

"People have already been asking us when next year's event will be, which shows how much they look forward to it.

"I think the fact it has such a strong tradition helps, but because we also move with the times has kept it so popular."

The first sign the event was going to return to its heyday came on the opening day when 120 youngsters turned up at Felpham Methodist Church hall. Another 25 toddlers were with their mums at St Nicholas Church in Middleton.

The turnout was consistently high '“ and much greater than in recent years '“ for the rest of the week.

Those who went along had family links with the event which spanned five decades.

The memories were revived at a birthday celebration tea party at the methodist church on the closing afternoon. Plenty of old photographs were on show.

Community and family events took place at the methodist church during each afternoon. The mornings there were filled with fun for children and young people, with adult events at St Nicholas.

The traditional tide fight on the beach by Blakes Road continued a challenge which dates back to the start of the mission.

The week began in 1918 when Edgar Walser saw children playing on the beach while he was walking along the promenade.

He knew they needed to know Jesus and began the Felpham Children's Special Services Mission. This became the Scripture Union which organises the week under its modern title.

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