Attree and Kent, one of the oldest funeral directors in the South, has reopened its Brighton premises after an extensive refurbishment.

Former Brighton mayor Councillor Francis Tonks unveiled a plaque at the Church Street offices to mark the event.

Funeral director Steve Harman said: "We are proud of our refurbished premises. After 220 years, we are part of the fabric of Brighton - and we intend to be here for a long time to come."

It was founded by Harry Robinson Attree in 1780 when Brighton was a small fishing village known as Brighthelmstone.

The firm is still independent and family-owned.

Detailed records dating from 1824 give a fascinating insight into funerals in the 19th Century, when it was customary to have a horse-drawn hearse, ostrich feather plumes, feathermen, coach pages and several bearers.

The mourners were supplied with kid gloves, cloaks, hoods and handkerchiefs. As the funeral passed through a town or village, tolls were paid and bells rung.

Initially in Church Street, then known as Spring Walk, the firm also had offices in Middle Street, St James Street and George Street.