Eastbourne Pier's famed camera obscura has won a top architectural prize four months after reopening to the public following more than 30 years of closure.

The attraction was among the winners in the Elegant Eastbourne Architectural awards, held last night at the town hall in Grove Road.

Judges were impressed with the restoration of the camera obscura, which had stayed dormant since 1970 when access to the turreted dome was destroyed during a huge fire.

However, using an £80,000 restoration grant, the attraction, built in 1899, now has a complete staircase and a fresh coat of black paint on its wooden walls.

Judges looked at 45 buildings across the Eastbourne area that had either been reconstructed or rebuilt within the past two years.

Sixteen awards were presented last night in front of civic leaders, including Eastbourne mayor Olive Woodall.

Other winners included the De Walden Mews development, Eastbourne College science block, Queen's Mansions and 1-6 Queen's Gardens, Further prizes went to W. Brufords, the Silver Wharf (North Marina) and East Dean village hall.

Gold awards went to the Eastbourne College technology centre and to Jeffrey Collard for his services to restoration and conservation in the borough over 14 years.

Judge Owen Boydell, chairman of the Eastbourne Society, said today: "We felt that the quality of the buildings was extremely high."

Praising Mr Collard, Mavis Clack, of the Eastbourne Society, said: "His achievements include the restoration of the Hermitage in Manor Gardens, the Leaf Hall fountain and the Pier.

"He has set high standards in architecture and guidelines for future development in the town plan and even fought a battle successfully to ensure the return of the chimneys on the Queens Hotel."

Last month, Eastbourne pier was named the ninth best free attraction in Britain by tourist centres across the country.

Judges were impressed with its Victorian charm and features such as the camera obscura and it was the only pier in the UK to feature on the list.