Beachy Head has always been a very special place for me.

I grew up in Brighton and moved to Peacehaven where we lived right on the edge of the chalk cliff.

As a family, we used to regularly visit Birling Gap and Beachy Head. I clearly remember walking up to Belle Tout as it stood proudly on top of the hill and looking out at the Beachy Head Lighthouse which stood majestically in the sea.

In 2007 I tried to buy the Belle Tout Lighthouse at Beachy Head by public subscription to open to the public. We were unsuccessful and David and Barbara Shaw bought the lighthouse . However, they did as we were going to do and open it to the public as a place to stay. So in that respect, our aims were met, but through the passion and generosity of the new owners. You can find out more and book a room at www.belletout.co.uk

The Beachy Head Lighthouse is a prominent landmark at Beachy Head and has become the iconic symbol of the area. Beachy Head just wouldn't be the same without its red and white stripes.

This is why, when I was contacted by Radio Sussex in 2010 about this very subject, I thought I would do something about it. It was only then I found out that Shirley Moth from Eastbourne had already set-up the Save the Stripes campaign so I asked if I could be involved and help.

I was, and still am, a key member of the Save the Stripes team and did everything I could to help spread awareness and raise money for the campaign. I appreared on BBC Radio Sussex on a number of occasions and myself and Shirley took part in an episode of BBC Countryside to express our views and show our level of support. I also spoke to influential donors convincing them to part with their money, ran a competition and even wrote a book.

In August 2011 I published the The Story of the Belle Tout Lighthouse and in April 2012 I published The Story of the Beachy Head Lighthouse.

It covers the Beachy Head Lighthouse's history from the original plans to construction, through the years to the modern day. With fascinating information and rare pictures showing the inside of the lighthouse and how the keepers lived day to day.

This book was a project of passion whilst enabling me to help make money for the Save the Stripes campaign where 50% of the proceeds went to help save the stripes of the Beachy Head Lighthouse.

To this day the lighthouse is still very important to me and I often give talks about the lighthouses of Beachy Head. Let me know if you would like to book my Lighthouse Talk.