A dance group has launched a campaign to raise more than £800,000 for their new studio.

South East Dance invited dignitaries to Circus Street, in Brighton, where their new £3.7 million Dance Space will be built as part of the Circus Street development.

As well as artists, business people, the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex and the mayor of Brighton and Hove, they were given a tour of the area before a special reception at The Emporium in London Road.

South East Dance has so far raised more than 75% of the funds for The Dance Space but still needs to raise £810,000.

To raise the remaining amount the organisation is calling on people and companies to back the campaign by making a donation.

Every pound raised will go directly to building The Dance Space.

Jamie Watton, chief executive and artistic director of South East Dance, said: “Dance is an essential part of all of our lives in different ways – it can enhance the lives of individuals and invigorate communities and the city but this vital art form does not yet have a permanent home in our city.

“The Dance Space will fill this gap, giving dance the visibility and presence it deserves with an ongoing and lasting impact on the people and places around it.”

Building work is expected to begin in November. For more details and to donate visit southeastdance.org.uk.