Hundreds of businesses are being urged to go to a meeting aimed at attracting shoppers and tourists back into Bexhill town centre.

The Bexhill Business Initiative has invited 600 town traders to its launch on Thursday.

Speaking at the launch will be businessman Graham Vallis, who has helped organise revival campaigns in ten other towns across the UK.

The initiative, created by Bexhill Town Centre and Tourism Action Group, is to link market research from Mr Vallis' company with a two-month programme of meetings.

Mr Vallis pledged the meetings would be pacey, informative and enjoyable.

He stressed: "They're not talking shops but are an opportunity for like-minded businesses to come together and examine information, skills and techniques used by successful businesses."

As part of the campaign, surveys of what people want from the town centre will be carried out in the street and in three schools.

Mr Vallis said: "As in other parts of the country, where the programme has been run, by working together in a positive, constructive and forward-thinking way, the local business community can demonstrate its willingness not only to identify what needs to be done but also to take an active part in making things happen."

Steve Ayres, town centre and tourism action group chairman, said: "I'm hoping for a good turn-out on Thursday. It's an exciting opportunity for Bexhill businesses to come together for their own and their town's benefit."

For more information, call Graham Vallis on 01455 212679.