Work is under way to unlock a lost evening economy worth £22 million by allowing shops, cafes and restaurants in a seaside town to open longer.

A total of £175,000 has been granted to Hastings town centre for the next three years to help create a thriving night-life.

Council officials believe the resort is losing out because most shops in its commercial heart close at 5.30pm.

By giving them investment to stay open later, they believe millions of pounds could flood into the economy at a time when Hastings ranks 28th in the UK's deprivation index.

Referring to the shops' closing time, council leader Jeremy Birch said it represents a huge missed opportunity.

"We believe the evening economy could be worth around £22m to Hastings and we want to bring this money into the town, by supporting the extension of the opening hours of shops, cafes and restaurants into the evening.

"And the council's arts development team is working with the local arts community to provide entertainment to create a real buzz in the town centre."

Town centre manager Barry Jones said: "This will involve a regular programme of free evening entertainment, including street art, street theatre, comedy, live music, dance, and so on, in Hastings town centre.

"We are hoping most shops will open late on Thursday evenings, starting just before Easter in March next year. This will be a tremendous boost to the restaurant trade, where several new ventures are planned to open in the near future.

"We are hoping to encourage local residents, as well as other visitors from Kent and East Sussex."