Family and friends of an artist who died in July have staged a special festive tribute to remember her at Christmas time.

Janette Tozer, who had been key figure in the Hove Beach Hut Advent Calendar, had a selection of her work put up behind one of the doors this year.

The Portslade-based artist and poet’s husband and close friends then gathered for a special remembrance ceremony.

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Husband Robin Tozer, said: “It was very emotional, but everyone was so pleased.

“It was something different to what Jan would normally do, everybody was a bit gobsmacked when they saw it.”

Mrs Tozer had been involved in the event since it first started six years ago.

Each December local artists install their work behind the doors of 24 huts before they are opened each night.

This year Mrs Tozer’s hut was transformed into a moving tribute as her family paid homage to her by displaying a creative image of her from her teenage years.

Family and friends gathered around the hut on Hove beachfront for the opening on December 11.

Martin Poole, founder of Beyond Church who organises the event, said: “It was a fitting tribute.

“We handed out electric tea lights so that people could place these by her photograph to mark their respect.”

Her sister, Lyn Hall, said: “We all had a glass of champagne and toasted to Jan.”

Mrs Tozer had been a well known and respected artist in Sussex for many years.

In May 2012 her artwork appeared on ITV’s Loose Women.

She was also invited to the Tate Modern last year as part of a project involving selected artists from across the country.

The project involved the artists being observed by the public whilst creating their work.

Her piece was based around improving better screening services for both men and women, something she and her sister Lyn both campaigned for.

She undertook a BA degree in Creative Studies in the latter years of her life and graduated in 2011.

She passed away on July of this year, two years after her graduation. Her ashes are scattered along Hove Lagoon.

For more details about the Hove Beach Hut Advent Calendar visit beyondchurch.co.uk/