A FIRST-TIME entry has won the 2014 Brighton Festival “Best Open House” award.

Peanut Butter Tree Arts, in Lawrence Road, Hove, was praised by a panel of judges for exhibits including textiles, ceramics, wood engravings and photographs, and also for the warmth of the welcome. There was also a public vote.

Vicky House, artist and house owner, said: “We’re absolutely bowled over to win. It’s the icing on the cake after a really special month.”

The open house was working in partnership with Friends of Sussex Hospices (FSH) to raise £2,800 for hospice care from donations, selling tea and cakes and a percentage of art sales donated by the artists.

Kathy Gore, FSH chairwoman, said: “We are so grateful for the generosity of Vicky and Duncan, whose house it is, and of all the artists and visitors. Our volunteers provided some of the cakes and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”