The song is called "Eastbourne is the Place to Be" and promotes the town as a top spot for young students from Germany.

Jurgen Matthes, who has brought more than 100,000 students to Eastbourne since 1982, launched the song at a reception at the Atlantis nightclub on Eastbourne Pier recently.

Eastbourne's mayor Mary Pooley was among the 800 guests at the launch of the record, which has been played on live radio.

Jurgen said he wanted to release a song about Eastbourne because of his love for the town.

Copies of the song, which features singing by German singer, David Hanselmann, are being given to students to take back home with them to Germany and host families can also pick their copy up from the JM offices in Hyde Gardens.

"My students love Eastbourne," said Jurgen, "and I want them to take the song home to Germany as a memory of their good times over here.

"Most of them cannot wait to come back next year. Eastbourne is our second home and after living here for 26 years, I have always had an idea about a song for students and host families."

The launch of the song over the Easter break marked the start of the first JM visitors of the year.

Hundreds more will follow over the summer months.

Jurgen added, "Our Easter students are flying home this weekend. We wish everybody a safe journey home and Eastbourne is looking forward to welcoming many back next year."

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