A new boss has taken charge of Eastbourne Pier and says he'll turn it into "a reason why people want to go out".

Graeme Sanderson, 37, has 15 years' experience behind him and a strong background in night clubs in the UK and abroad.

He has big plans for the pier and promises to turn it into a hot night spot.

Mr Sanderson's last job was overseeing the opening of a multi-million-pound entertainment complex in Sydney harbour.

He said: "My focus is to give people a reason to go out and so we will be developing the Atlantis night club and paying particular attention to the entertainment experience."

He also wants to develop Bar Copa into a multi-purpose venue for conferences and wedding parties and is also exploring the possibility of resurrecting the Camera Obscura Club.

Mr Sanderson added: "It's going to be a challenging but rewarding role as I want to make sure we cater for everybody.

"I hope to develop the front of the pier to provide attractions in keeping with the needs of visitors but I realise it is important that whatever we do is in keeping with the town."