Forget Blackpool – Sheppey now has its own spectacular display of seaside lights.

The £55,00 Leysdown Illuminations, commissioned by Swale council as part of the Rose Tinted project, were officially switched on last week.

Artist Rob Olins designed the display with the help of the community, children from both sites of Eastchurch Primary School, Rolf Williams from the RSPB and holidaymakers.

The theme was bird flight and aviation and the LED lights have been put on the seafront.

Mr Olins had been asking people what they wanted to see in the display, which involves a colour-changing lights pattern.

A lantern parade took place on Thursday evening involving the school children, Mayor of Swale Cllr Pat Sandle and Big Fish Arts, which entertained with sea shanties.

The group had been working with the children to make lanterns for the parade.

Community chef Mike Spackman and his assistants from the Mobile Food Truck were also there, serving a winter stew for the guests, ahead of the switch on at 7pm.

The project was mainly funded by Arts Council England, which contributed £40,000, and also supported by Leysdown Parish Council, Swale council and Kent County Council.

Leysdown Rose Tinted project officer Louise Francis said: “It is state of the art technology as the lights run to a set programme.

“They are just for Leysdown and have been made in response to people from Leysdown.

“You won’t get them anywhere else so they are quite special.”

Mr Olins added: “It’s very exciting, finally installing a new lighting scheme for Leysdown that benefits a traditional seaside village.

“I’ve had great inspiration working with the local school children and Mr Williams.

“I hope residents and visitors enjoy the lights for many years to come.”