A shop manager who was rapped for her saucy window display is having the last laugh.

Karen Chapman was reprimanded by town councillors for showing sexy underwear in Kadar Wear, Burgess Hill.

Only four months later she has won an award from the same councillors for a St George's display in another of the shop's windows.

Several shoppers complained to the town council in December last year about her range of red and black frilly underwear.

This surprised Mrs Chapman who had received positive feedback from shoppers many of whom were elderly.

But her new display of kimonos and a flame-blowing dragon earned her first prize in the council's St George's Day window dressing competition.

Mrs Chapman said: "It's brilliant and a real contrast. It just goes to show we are not here to cause offence to anybody.

"It's nice to get an award for our St George's window and customers were saying we could have won with the saucier window anyway."

The family business, which has been running in Church Walk for about 35 years, sells school uniforms and a broad range of underwear and nightwear.

This will remain the mainstay of the business but demand for sex toys, sexy lingerie and other racy items has grown since last December.

Last year they were hidden away but Mrs Chapman opened an extension to the back of the shop two weeks ago to accommodate the merchandise following increased sales.

She said the new room remained separate from the rest of the shop so customers who are not interested would not come across the stock by mistake.

She said: "Most of the customers are fine about it and older customers love it. They come in the room and have a giggle."

Mrs Chapman was awarded a £50 cash prize and a two-day business consultation. Council clerk David Carden said: "Kadar Wear responded to comments made by residents to a previous window display.

"They made great efforts to join in the spirit of St George's Day celebration and won the best window display competition on merit."