Sisters Dawn Johnson and Shirley Logan planned to have a shop with a difference for several years.

Their dreams have now become a reality with the opening of Affinity of Brighton in Sydney Street.

Shirley said: "The inspiration to open a shop selling quality hand-made items of the British Isles came from our late mother.

"She was from the Irish Republic and had a good sense of style. She loved clothes and liked to wear silk scarves and she had a good eye for quality.

"As a family we have a strong connection with Ireland. We chose the name Affinity because it means to have a relationship with.

"It is about our relationship with our mother and with Ireland, our relationship as sisters and the relationship between the four countries."

To stock the shop the sisters chose pieces from small studios rather than large manufacturers.

This allowed them to choose original and unusual items.

Lines include stained glass panels from Northern Ireland, hand-made glass mobiles and light catchers from the Republic, hand-painted glassware and clocks from Wales and hand-painted candleholders and goblets from Somerset.

They also sell jewellery, perfume, soaps, bath products and the hand-painted silk scarves their mother loved.

Shirley said: "Our only regret is our Mum isn't here to see it but we know she would be very proud."

Affinity can be contacted on 01273 625101.