CD-roms containing images of 200 works from the gallery's permanent collection will be available from a Towner stall in the Arndale Centre on Monday (December 1).

Eastbourne's residents and visitors can view a demonstration at the stall and take the CD home to view at their leisure before voting for their favourites by returning the freepost reply card or visiting the Towner People's Choice website.

The works with the most votes when voting closes on January 2 will form the gallery's first collection display when the landmark building is launched.

Comments from voters on why works were chosen will be displayed alongside the art, to further demonstrate that this gallery is first and foremost for the people — just as was intended when Alderman John Chisholm Towner founded the first Towner gallery in 1923.

Once open in its new home next to the Congress Theatre, Towner will present temporary exhibitions of contemporary and modern art alongside displays from its permanent collection.

The CD-rom will also be available from various locations around the town, including The Eastbourne Herald office on Lismore Road, the Town Hall, tourist information centre, sports centres, library and theatres.

Eastbourne Borough Council cabinet spokesperson for housing, health and community services Councillor Margaret Bannister said, "People's Choice is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Eastbourne to have a real say in Towner's opening displays.

"This social interaction is an important aspect of the gallery's ethos, to empower the local community and give people a voice in Eastbourne's new flagship destination."

After viewing highlights from Towner's permanent collection, vote for your favourite online at www.townereastbourne.org.uk
Voting closes on January 2.