Staff at a public relations agency were joined by former Olympic skating gold medallist Robin Cousins to celebrate winning a contract for Brighton International Arena (BIA).

Jo Brooks PR will handle media and communication for BIA, to be built on the Black Rock site next to Brighton Marina.

Proposals for the site, which has been derelict since 1973, include two Olympic-sized ice pads for public skating, ice hockey and concerts.

Olympic star Jayne Torvill, from Cross-in-Hand, near Heathfield, supports the bid.

It is a major contract for Jo Brooks, based in Gloucester Passage, Brighton.

The agency has recently appointed two new account managers, Clare Croome and Rebecca Chapman.

Director Jo Brooks said: "I am very excited about the changes taking place within the company."

Friday March 12, 2004