Stephen Young (53) also from Bognor stopped to stare at the colourful sculpture. He said: "I think it's a lot of money for a piece of art, but it's certainly a landmark and very noticeable. I'm sure it will become a meeting point for people".

Christine Tebbit from Runcton said: "I think it's really lovely, bright and striking. It's a good thing for the town."

Only a few people criticised the sculpture. Littlehampton resident Patrick Walsh (41) said: "I can see that people will appreciate this but I'm not sure I personally like it, it's a bit brash, too bold for my taste."

The sculptor Pete Codling said to the crowds: "I'd like to thank all the people that have helped me create the sun sculpture, to make it and to store it.

"After two years of hard work this piece means an awful lot to me and I hope it will mean a lot to you all too."

The sculpture is the first piece of public art in Bognor since a fountain was installed to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897.

Mr Codling was commissioned to create the seven metre high sculpture topped by its 1.5m wide sphere in January 2006. He was asked to reflect Bognor's famed sunshine record and its proud history as a seaside resort.

He used these facts and added inspiration from the international Bognor birdman and local history for his creation.