24/09/2007 08:25:20
Five beach huts with a difference have opened up for visitors to Lincolnshire's coast.
The huts, known collectively as the bathing beauties, have been built to the winning designs of a competition to "re-imagine the beach hut for the 21st century".
The unusual designs include the rotund >Jabba, inspired by the Star Wars character Jabba the Hutt, and The Mablethorpe Camera Obscura, which, organisers say, "offers visitors a more secretive view of the stunning coastline from its magical interior".
The project is the brainchild of local artist Michael Trainor, and was open to entries from international architects and artists. Four further huts will be built in 2008.
Mr Trainor >told BBC News: "The overall idea is that when all nine of the huts and some other small structures are in place, there'll be a linear gallery of architecture."
The huts, now a permanent installation on the coast, are available to hire for between £20-25 a day from East Lindsey District Council.