A former eyesore on the Hove seafront has been transformed into a fashionable eating place.

Woodies Diner was developed by Ray and James Roberts, owners of the neighbouring surfboard specialist Ocean Sports.

They gave the building a facelift to match the Art Deco facade of the surf shop and turned the interior into a Fifties-style American diner.

The plans waited on the drawing board for almost a year while councillors debated the issue of converting the former office block into a cafe.

Once permission was granted, work started to build an authentic American diner that has already become a popular meeting place for surfers.

James said: "Ocean Sports was already a popular meeting place for surfers from across the South but now Woodies Diner has opened, we are getting people who are into Fifties nostalgia choosing it as a place to meet.

"Its reputation has spread and groups from all over the South have been visiting us."

Television crews have chosen to film in the diner because of its unique look.

To give it an authentic touch, the furniture and fittings for the diner were imported from the United States.

Choosing the menu involved a visit to the States.

Staff uniforms were specially designed, based on the classic American Fifties diner look.

Ray, a former builder, said: "We started the surf shop at the height of the recession when people were telling us we were taking too big a risk, but we were determined.

"We quickly built up a reputation as people who knew what we were talking about, offering advice and guidance to both experienced surfers and beginners."

James said it was this reputation for being the best that they were hoping to expand into the world of catering, He said: "We've taken the surfing theme into the diner and we believe customers will enjoy their experience here, whether they are surfers or not, and come back."

The new diner created 12 jobs.