TOP Sussex jewellery-makers are to dazzle visitors to a world-famous exhibition heading for Brighton in May.

Leading jewellery critics claim the town has become a mecca for talented craftsmen and women, second only to London for its high proportion of jewellery artists. Now several local makers are to join 30 exhibitors showing off more than 1,500 hand-made one-off pieces at the touring event called Dazzle. The 16-year-old exhibition has attracted dozens of celebrities, including Whoopi Goldberg, Paul McCartney and Judi Dench, all of whom have bought items from the vast Dazzle collection. Expert Tony Gordon, who launched Dazzle in 1981, said: "It is amazing how many makers are now setting up in Brighton. Everyone is talking about going there. It really is the place to be for craftsmen and women, a real mecca. "I think it is because there is a great seaside environment and a lot of makers went to Brighton Art College and had a fantastic time there." Among Brighton's jewellers taking part in the event will be Naomi James who works with silver and precious stones, and Annabet (crrt) Wyndham. whose acrylic and silver tea utensils have won national acclaim. They will join an international line-up of jewellery makers selling contemporary jewellery for men and women, clocks, limited edition prints, silverware, metalwork, mirrors and candleholders. Dazzle is to be held at the Royal Pavilion Shop Gallery from May 4-30. Entrance is free to the show, set to open from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week. For further details call 01273 292791.

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