Rebuilding south east England's seaside towns post WWII

Presenter and writer Anthony Horowitz explores how World War II's frontline on England's south east coast, dubbed Hellfire Corner, was transformed into a seafront once again.

In an era of 'make do and mend', the resorts of Kent and Sussex scrambled to accommodate and entertain post-war Britain which was keen to enjoy itself after years of conflict.

There were plenty of challenges for seaside towns in the first years of peace including removing their wartime defences such as unexploded bombs, tank traps and mines.

Credits: Archive film footage is copyright and courtesy of Imperial War Museum, War & Peace Archive, Topfoto, Screen Archive South East, British Pathe and ITN Source.

VE Day: First Days of Peace: Back to the Beaches is broadcast on Monday, 11 May at 19:30 BST on BBC One South East and nationwide on the iPlayer for 30 days thereafter.