It was back to basics for traders in Rottingdean when a ruptured electricity cable plunged shops into darkness.
Businesses in the High Street were stuck without power for most of Saturday after workmen who were digging up the street to lay a gas main cut through a cable.
Refrigerated units at the Co-op were cut off and people living above the shops were left without heating or light.
Marion Briggs, whose gift shop Tallboys was one of those affected, ended up trading by candlelight - but said she enjoyed the atmosphere.
She said: "This building was refurbished in the 1700s and built in the 1400s, so this is like taking a step back in time to its beginnings."
Anne Brooks, of Rottingdean Wine, said the power cut had caused some difficulties.
She said: "We had to use torches to light the way and the till wasn't working electrically, but we managed.
"We kept the shop open but it was a struggle because it was freezing and we couldn't see very much."
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