Supermarket store Tesco has started work to restore one of its shops to its former glory.

The company caused a storm of protest when it controversially ripped brass window frames out of its store in Western Road, Hove.

Its original frames graced the front of one of the area's grandest buildings, which was once known as the Harrods of Hove.

The height of the windows was reduced when new plastic frames in Tesco corporate blue were installed in their place.

Brighton and Hove City Council threatened legal action and Tesco was ordered to explain its actions at a public inquiry.

The hearing in February was called off after Tesco agreed to restore the windows to their former size and install frames more in keeping with the originals.

The Tesco Express shop, on the ground floor of the Grade II-listed building, was shut yesterday while the interior was stripped ready for a major refit.

Its suspended ceiling is being raised to allow the window frames to be restored to their original height.

The new aluminium frames are expected to have an antique brass finish.

They will mimic those which were lost when Tesco took over the former Michael Norman Antiques showroom last year.