There has been enthusiastic response to the new Quality Edge partnership promotion for the Kemp Town and St James areas in Brighton.

Much of this response is from owners and managers of local hotels, guesthouses and B and Bs. More than 20 hoteliers attended the latest meeting to hear about the partnership's plans to market small and friendly hotels in their area.

Chas Kelman, chairman of the Quality Edge steering group, said: "It was a very successful meeting. The group has been established for around six months now, and we are beginning to see tangible progress.

"We have already been able to offer special IT training for hoteliers and area working to improve the image of Kemp Town to create a vibrant area to attract more tourists. Part of the process involves choosing a new name or names for the area and the partnership is delighted to be working with local traders, key community groups and local residents to this end."

Tania Colella, of the Sea Spray Guest House, said: "We feel the Quality Edge initiative will first give our area a clear identity, thus raising its profile in Brighton and secondly support us in achieving higher levels of quality for our guests, which we feel will encourage them to keep on coming back and supporting the whole community."

Financial support for the Quality Edge project comes from Sussex Enterprise, Brighton and Hove Council, Brighton and Hove Hotels' Association, and the European Community's Urban Fund.