Private view at Smiths

An interior designer by profession, Petra describes herself as a, "passionate amateur photographer", and thanks to the encouragement of her friends she decided to take the plunge and selected a range of vibrant, colourful, maritime theme photographs to exhibit.

Petra said: "This is a selection taken from thousands of images I've taken as an amateur photographer. I live in St Leonards and I thought the maritime theme was appropriate."

She added: " I am passionate about taking photographs."

Petra's work will remain on display at Smiths for the next few weeks and proprietor, Richard Smith, said the decision to display artists work was two fold: "We thought it would be a great way to exhibit local artist's work free of charge and, if any of the exhibited work is sold, we will take ten percent commission which will then be donated to a local charity."

Richard said they plan to change the featured artist every six weeks and welcome enquiries from local artists.