A popular cafe which became an institution in Brighton and Hove will be consigned to history in the coming weeks.

But walkers who rely on the shack to refuel while out and about need not despair as a new version has been created just 10ft away.

And the old structure will still be used to help people relax as it is being turned into outdoor seating.

Rodney Posner has started serving snacks at the new-look Meeting Place cafe, a development he has spent four years waiting for.

The modern kiosk has been built next to the original Meeting Place, a 28ft-long wooden building which has been on the site since the Thirties.

Mr Posner, 55, said the 40ft cafe would provide much needed extra storage and display space.

He said: "I'm so pleased to finally have the new kiosk built and open. It has been a long, slow process and I certainly wouldn't want to go through it again.

"Most of my regular customers have followed its progress from the foundations going in and seem pleased it has finally open."

Mr Posner originally wanted to expand the wooden building on its existing site in Hove, near the Brighton boundary.

But he was unable to get permission as Brunswick Gardens, Hove, is covered by a preservation order.

There is no such restriction on the alternative site, just 10ft away on the Brighton side of the boundary.

He got planning permission to move the Meeting Place almost four years ago but, as lease negotiations with Brighton and Hove City Council dragged on, so did the wait to move the cafe, which he has owned since 1977.

The move, which Mr Posner said had cost him about £200,000, will mean more food can be made and stored on site.

Until this week, cakes and scones were made in nearby Chapel Mews and transported to the cafe by bicycle.

Mr Posner said a few of his customers were upset the original building was to be demolished in the next few weeks to be used for more outdoor seating but he said he hoped the move would not alter the friendly atmosphere of the cafe, which has become an institution on the seafront.

The cafe will still serve the usual cooked breakfasts, scones and tea but there will be more room to display food such as baguettes and salads.

It will also be business as usual on Christmas Day.

He said: "We're doing a bit of fine tuning on the kiosk but it all seems to be going quite well.

"Some customers are sad to see the original Meeting Place go and want to move it and preserve it but I don't think it would be very practical.

"It wouldn't survive a move. I think once it is taken apart it will have had it."