The Astoria was one of Brighton's biggest and best cinemas from the Thirties to the Seventies. Since then it has been in sad decline.

But there are hopes this fine building can be transformed into a major arts centre for the city now it is being bought by Yes/No Productions, the company run by Stomp.

It was the Astoria Moving Picture Trust which made the vital move by getting the Astoria on the Grade II list of buildings of architectural or historic interest.

This meant that developers could not put flats on the prime site in Gloucester Place.

It is good news that the Astoria is being bought by local people who appreciate its value to the city.