Written by Rowan Dore, and published on the This Is Brighton and Hove site at http://www.thisisbrighton.co.uk/

A derelict building known as the Woodingdean 'eyesore' has become the inspiration for a leading local photographer. The former Sunblest bakery site, which has fallen into disrepair following the closure of the centre five years ago, is the background of this black and white photograph, Gipsy Children. Bob Webzell, president of Brighton and Hove Camera Club, admits he was trespassing in the former factory, much of which has since been destroyed by fire. He said he heard noises and realised he was not alone in the building, where the walls have been daubed with graffiti.

The children as captured by Bob Webzell

As he took photographs of the inside, children from travellers' caravans parked nearby asked if they could be in the picture. Mr Webzell said: "It is like an art gallery in there. Some of the graffiti is excellent. The atmosphere is dark and moody, perfect for black and white photos. I just started snapping away. "The children were a bit shy at first but then they asked what I was doing and asked if they could be in the picture." The picture has been featured in the 2000 Royal Photographic International Slide Exhibition and is currently on show at the 2001 RPS International Print Exhibition in Stoke. It will be shown for the first time in Sussex in an exhibition of Mr Webzell's work at the Grange Gallery, Rottingdean.

The exhibition, A Seeing Eye, opened yesterday and continues until August 22. It also features images of Africa and Venice.