Community leaders are hailing news its college has been removed from a Government list of failing schools as a signal the estate is a success.

The Whitehawk estate in East Brighton was branded a hotbed of crime and vandalism, while its comprehensive school was labelled as 'failing' by education watchdogs.

But in 1997, East Brighton, including Whitehawk, was identified as an area of deprivation and given a £43 million grant to rebuild communities during the next ten years.

Community leaders say the investment is already paying off.

Youth schemes have been set up, a community centre opened and health schemes and crime prevention measures put in place.

Residents have patrolled the streets as wardens and police officers are set to move into an office on the estate.

Just a month after the announcement that CCTV has slashed crime in the area, East Brighton College of Media Arts (COMART), has been taken off the list of failing schools.

In the year since Dr Jill Clough was appointed principal, it has made steady progress.

Dr Clough said: "I am thrilled most of all for the students. Now they have been told officially their school is not failing, it will help them get back the self confidence they deserve."

Des Turner, Labour MP for Kemp Town, Brighton, who is chairman of the Whitehawk Crime Prevention Forum, said: "I'm delighted by the news. It's a new start for a new year."