Mayoral Ball a dramatic swansong for Eric

Together with his wife and Mayoress Jeanette, Eric drew a total of 213 supporters to the 30-a-head event.

They saw the town's Irish-born first citizen and his Mayoress make a dramatic entry into the De La Warr Pavilion main hall to the skirl of bagpipes from The Gael in Sea Road.

Guests who included the Lord Lieutenant of the county, Mrs Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, found the main hall transformed by Karen Austin's gift for decoration.

The Mayor said later: "It was a great evening.

"The food was superb. The De La Warr Pavilion did us proud. The decorations were fantastic. A week before I had sold only 32 tickets and was getting worried but people responded tremendously.

"We sold out of raffle tickets. The raffle made 1,040. The auction alone made 2,000.

Two days earlier the same De La Warr Pavilion main hall had seen a low-point when Eric Armstrong lost his Old Town Ward Rother seat. Standing as an independent to defend a seat originally won as Liberal Democrat, he was fifth out of six candidates chasing two seats.

Liberal Democrats now represent Old Town.

He said ruefully: "It was the classic - people voting in pairs.

"People know in this area what I have done. I have had so many phone calls after the election from people saying they are amazed I am out.

"I think there was confusion. People were walking up to me on Thursday and saying 'Are you standing for UKIP?' and I was saying 'I don't have a party.'

"But Jeanette and I have had a wonderful year. You can't ask for more. Old Town is still very special to me."

Deputy Town Mayor and Mayor-elect Keith Bridger also lost his Sidley seat. The Town's Charter Trustees will choose a successor for the annual mayor-making ceremony in two weeks' time.