Regular customers of Trinity Wholefoods were joined by passers-by and members of the local arts community for the official unveiling of the store's new, specially designed, metal gate.

Designed by Leigh Dyer, the new door has replaced the shop's old security gate and doubles up as an attractive piece of art.

Trinity Wholefoods manager Sandra Herbert is now hoping neighbouring shops will also commission work from local artists instead of just 'going for the boring option' when having work done on shop frontages.

She said: "The new gate is fantastic - we are really pleased with it. We needed a new security gate but thought instead of getting a boring one we would do something a bit different.

"I really hope other businesses will think about doing something similar because it did not cost much more and looks brilliant.

"Hastings is awash with talented artists and by doing things like this we can not only improve the look of an area but also support the local arts community."

St Leonards-based comedian Steve Furst officially opened the gate and Alastair Fairley, of the Arts Forum, gave a talk about the importance of the arts in Hastings regeneration.

Customer were then given free wine and nibbles while accordion player Steve Le Squeeze entertained shoppers with his own personal take on classic songs.

Do you think shops should support local artists by doing more things like this? Leave your comments below.