VOLUNTEERS got to grips with the serious issue of spreading more happiness at a free hug event.

Free hugs were dished out to passers-by in Lewes town centre on Saturday as organisers tried to raise a smile and levels of serotonin and oxytocin in the body.

The event was held to coincide with National Hugging Day which occurred just a few days earlier and to promote the health benefits of a simple cuddle.

Organiser Amanda James said: “I think it has been very well received and I think we will look to do it again at some point.

“We had two expert huggers who were doing up to 60 hugs an hour and even hugged a traffic warden which made everyone cheer.

“One of our experts Claudia Burnett said that studies showed we need four hugs a day and I think even I fall short of that.”

For more hugs, residents can attend the happiness and wellbeing show to be held at Lewes Town Hall next Saturday between 10am and 6pm and next Sunday between 10.30am and 5.30pm.

For more information visit www.wellbeing lewes.co.uk.