Tens of thousands of pounds have been donated to the renovation of Madeira Terrace by a late doctor to mark precious memories in the city with her husband.

Doctor Manju Ghosh, who died in 2021, left a donation of £30,000 to the project in memory of her late husband, Doctor Sabyasachi Bhattacharya.

The couple, from New Malden, owned a property in the city and spent many happy years strolling along the pebbles in the sunshine.

“My client and her husband had lovely memories of Brighton, and owned an apartment at the Marina,” said Andrew Hill, trustee and executor of Dr Ghosh’s will.

“Whenever they had free time, they would head down and enjoy a walk along the beach.

“Brighton was so special to them.

“Giving money to the project would be exactly what they would both want, as it would help towards enhancing the area with something that everyone could enjoy.”

READ MORE: Madeira Terrace is council's greatest restoration challenge

The couple’s funding will help with phase one of the renovation project, which began earlier this year, to restore 40 archways from Concorde 2 nightclub to Royal Crescent.

Co-chairman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee Martin Osborne said: “It’s always lovely to hear how our world famous seafront holds such a special place in people’s lives.

“We hope that this very generous donation towards the renovation project will encourage money more people to follow in the footsteps of Dr Ghosh and Dr Bhattacharya and enjoy visiting, relaxing, and making memories in our city by the sea.”

The city council recently had its bid rejected for £9.5 million of government funding to help restore the famous archways.

Community fundraiser Jax Atkins, who has raised thousands of pound for the project, said: “Public money is scarce, so we need to do all we can to keep raising funds and keep momentum on the project going.

“Every penny counts, and we are still accepting donations of bric-a-brac to sell for the terraces.”

On Dr Ghosh’s donations, Jax said: “This is a heart-warming reminder of how much Madeira Terrace is loved by locals.

“I’m so thankful for this kind a thoughtful gesture, it’s just brill. The terraces are the city’s shop window and, once restored, will make a huge and positive difference to our eastern seafront.”