Get real, it's good news

A deal between two media firms will create more than 80 jobs in Brighton.

Victoria Real and GMG Endemol Entertainment have teamed up in a multi-million pound agreement which will put the town at the forefront of the new media revolution.

Victoria Real is based in North Road and was started by students Richard Daws and Rob Love.

The deal will mean an increase in the workforce from 65 to 150 by 2001.

The agreement means Victoria Real will be able to develop on-line TV programmes and new software products.

It means the firm could also be able to crack the international marketplace and exploit Britain's thriving digital TV arena.

In fact it all adds up to great news for Brighton - and proves the town really is The Place to Be.

Age old debate

Brighton Health Care NHS Trust has been accused of ignoring elderly patients because they are often too weak to complain enough.

Valentina Bailey claims her mother, Doris Valler, had to endure dirty wards, drips not being replaced after running out and a lack of meals during her time at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

In the end, the frail pensioner spent her last few days at the Martlets Hospice in Hove. There she received treatment which, her daughter claims, the Royal Sussex County Hospital "can only dream about."

A hospital spokesman has rebuked the claim and ordered a full inquiry into what happened during Mrs Valler's stay.

It's no secret that the NHS is terribly overstretched but it is also no secret that our pensioners are often terribly undervalued in modern-day Britain.

Let's just hope the inquiry results don't prove the latter.

Treasure trove

A Nineteenth Century ship moored at Shoreham Harbour hides a few secrets.

The vessel has appeared in more than 25 films including The Three Musketeers and CutThroat Island.

First mate Francis Browne believes one of the reasons for the ship's enduring success is her crew who he describes as a bunch of pirates.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.