WITH large crowds turning out, it was said to have been one of the biggest and best in the event’s history.

Organisers of the Waterside Bed Push reckoned they had drawn up to 10,000 people on April 30, 1977.

The dull weather failed to take the shine off the day for Marchwood builder Paul Trim. His 32 charity collectors and bed-pushers carried off the award for best bed which included a cow, windmill and a tractor.

Hythe’s Colin Purdie and friends came second with Biggles and his bi-plane.