A bizarre 6ft high Gothic-style light has got people scratching their heads.

Residents living at a grand Victorian house in Wilbury Road, Hove, are trying to find out more about the spectacularly ornate wrought iron creation which is bolted to the front of their home and attracts scores of puzzled glances from passers-by.

The property, now converted into five flats, was once the home of England cricket legend Sir Jack Hobbs. Residents wonder whether the light, which no longer works, had anything to do with the brilliant run-maker, known as The Master Batsman.

Householder Juliet Taylor said the light was beautiful: "I love it. I have always wondered why it is there because it is so unusual. It looks handmade to me. "It might be turn of the century, but I don't really know anything about it at all. Sir Jack Hobbs used to live in the flat and I wonder if it had anything to do with him. Perhaps it was presented to him for work on the cricket field."

Sir Jack, arguably the greatest batsman ever, lived in Wilbury Road because it was close to Sussex CCC's ground situated just a few hundred yards from the front door.

Juliet said: "I do notice people walking past talking about the light. It is almost out of place because it is so weird. It doesn't really seem to go with the house. There are always people in Brighton and Hove who know things and maybe this article will bring somebody forward who knows its history."

If anybody has information about the light, write to Paul Holden at Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AR, or e-mail paul.holden@argus-btn.co.uk

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