A gas firm has offered to be a main sponsor for a major community event to make up for disruption caused by repairs to a pipeline.

Shops and businesses saw their takings drop dramatically when the main shopping street in Rottingdean was closed for the relaying of a gas main during most of January and February.

Contractor Transco has now agreed to be one of the major sponsors of a Renaissance Weekend during the May Bank Holiday, instead of compensating individual shops and businesses for their loss of trade.

The relaying of the gas main in the village High Street had been put off for many years.

Transco has a section devoted to compensation claims for small businesses who lose out while streets are disrupted.

This is the first time the company has decided to sponsor a commercial and social event for traders, instead of paying out claims based on loss of business.

Details of the package are still being worked out. All shops and businesses who belong to the Rottingdean Trade Business and Professional Association with a turnover of less than one million have agreed not to pursue any claims of compensation in return for the backing of the event.

The event, during the weekend May 4 to 7, is already building up to be a major attraction involving the whole community.

It is aimed to attract thousands from outside the area and show the village is back in businesses.

It will feature a late-night shopping event on the Friday with a grand fireworks display.

Saturday will see a table top sale in the lower High Street, and an art exhibition. Sunday will be a family sports day with a tug-of-war and a fun run.

Harold Williams, vice-chairman of Rottingdean Traders said: "We surveyed all the shops and they all agreed if Transco was to underwrite the weekend, they would not make any individual compensation claims.

"The past is behind us and we have now got to look forward to the future and this weekend will show Rottingdean is back in business."

Nicky Saint, of Transco, said: "I believe it is the first time we have come to such an agreement with a group of traders. All we now hope is that the weather is fine and the weekend is a success."