More than 45 residents, including the mayor, gathered in Sandown to repaint the historic Victorian beach railings.

The team, which also included members from the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat crew and beach concessionaires, navigated through layers of peeling paint and weather conditions to give the esplanade a well-deserved facelift.

Many people passing by, including a visitor from Eastbourne, expressed their appreciation for the effort.

Demonstrating community spirit, local businesses donated painting supplies, while beachside cafés provided free refreshments.

Despite the task of painting nearly 750m of railings, the volunteers painted over 450m in one day. 

Plans for a follow-up session are being made.

Councillor Paddy Lightfoot said "It was heartening to see so many residents willing to give up a big portion of their Sunday to start to help make Sandown a better place for all. Its not going to sort all our challenges with just one coat of paint, but it’s a start.

"Its not about getting work done on the cheap, but spending the money that Sandown Town Council has set aside for Town Improvement and Bay Place Plan improvements as frugally as possible to get maximum benefit."