A landmark pillar marking the gateway to Brighton and Hove on the A23 has been unveiled after a three-year clean-up.

The stone pylons either side of the southbound A23 are engraved with a message for visitors.

But for the past 36 months one of the columns has been covered with plastic and a bright yellow banner reading "Street Scaffolding Services".

Work ground to a halt when contractors WS Atkins insisted the two outside lanes of the road would have to be closed in each direction for cleaning to continue.

The cost was estimated at £1,300 a day for the three-week scrub.

But work finally started last week after Brighton and Hove City Council struck a cheaper deal to get the work done without as much disruption.

And the freshly-scrubbed stone is now revealed in all its glory.

Patcham councillor Brian Pidgeon, said: "It's fantastic news. However, it should have been done much earlier if the council had got the contracts right."

The pillars were erected in 1928 at a cost of £3,500.

Designed by John Denman, the foundation stones were laid by the Duke and Duchess of York, later to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Buried inside are coins, copies of the Brighton and Hove Herald and the Sussex Daily News.

The western pylon bears the message: "Hail guest, we ask not what thou art. If friend, we greet thee hand and heart. If stranger no longer be. If foe, our love shall conquer thee."