Uckfield hosts young Europeans

Masked youths terrorised an international youth camp on its first night in Uckfield, but with prompt action from leaders and the police the rest of the holiday passed peacefully.

Three or four youths wearing dark clothing and balaclavas sneaked around the camp on the first Thursday night, banged on a tent occupied by Swedish visitors and shouted abuse when told to go away.

Said camp leader Dr Martyn Stenning: 'This seemed like a bad start and the Swedish youngsters had a very bad night, but the police came quickly and by the time they were here all was quiet.'

There were also tears on Sunday, the last day of the camp, but that was entirely due to the success of the venture ... the youngsters were sad to be splitting up, returning to different parts of the world and leaving new friends. The previous night they had danced together until midnight, oblivious to the pouring rain.

The camp ran for ten action-packed days. There were trips to London and Brighton, a walk on Ashdown Forest, a night walk through Buxted Park and dozens more activities at the camp, including a sports day and workshops for circus skills, glass painting, tie-dyeing, cycling and music.

The camp, organised by Uckfield Twinning Association, took place in the grounds of Manor School and at the community college.