Community activists have launched a campaign to transform a derelict former cinema and bingo hall into a community centre.

The Gala building in Portland Road, Hove, closed in 2003 and has fallen into disrepair.

It started out in the Thirties as an art deco Granada cinema, where films were shown until 1974 when it was bought by Ladbrokes and opened as Lucky Seven Bingo Hall.

It had a number of different owners as a bingo hall and is still owned by Gala Group, which runs Gala Bingo in other parts of Brighton and Hove.

Paint has peeled from the facade and broken windows let in water. Others are boarded up and metal plates are bolted across the doors.

Plans to demolish the building and develop the site for apartments fell through in 2003.

Derek Rist is spearheading a campaign to turn the derelict building into a centre for older people.

Mr Rist, 61, of Marmion Road, would like to see sheltered accommodation in part of the building and a community centre in the other part.

He said: "We know we've got an uphill struggle but the whole point is this is something a lot of people round here want."

So far the campaign group, made up of residents, has written to all the Brighton and Hove councillors and MPs.

Mr Rist said: "There are many residents who would like to stay in the area but there is not much sheltered housing for them at the moment."

The action group has already sent a petition of 110 signatures to Brighton and Hove's planning committee and intends to send more as the campaign grows.

Anil Patel runs the grocery store opposite the hall.

He said the bingo brought him a lot of trade.

He said: "It is a real shame there is nothing for the older people to do near here."

Leader of the Conservatives and councillor for Wish ward Garry Pelzer Dunn said he was sympathetic towards the action group.

He said: "What is there is a historic eyesore that is crying out for some sort of sympathetic development.

"However, we are only interested spectators because the building is owned by a private company so we do not have much control over it."

Anyone who would like to sign the petition can do so at AR Stores opposite the hall, or in charity shops in the area.

For more information, call Derek Rist on 07866 133562.