It is full steam ahead this summer for a well-known Sussex cookshop.

Steamer Trading opened in Alfriston 15 years ago and was followed by a stall in Lewes in 1993.

It has now expanded its Lewes operation.

The company was started by David Phillips - a former main buyer for the Habitat group under Sir Terence Conran - and his journalist wife, Liz.

In spite of some people's misgivings about opening a specialist cookshop in the picture-postcard village, the venture has been a great success.

It is one of the most visited shops in the village - a hit with local people and visitors alike.

The stall in Lewes was at the Riverside Centre and has also been a success in spite of lack of space.

Liz said that with 4,000 different items on sale and just a small stall at the centre, the move to 20-21 High Street was vital.

She said: "The new shop will include a demonstration area where customers can watch experts at work as well as get hands-on experience with various tools and machine.

"It will include a small coffee bar where we can demonstrate the coffee machines and give customers a refreshing drink.

"It is part of our way of making shopping a totally enjoyable experience.

"The other essential ingredients are good staff who really enjoy serving customers, exciting merchandise and even a couple of comfortable chairs for nothing more strenuous than just sitting down."

The move will create three extra jobs.

For customers who are unable to get to the shop, they intend to continue the popular order-by-post service launched by fellow director Garry Pratt.