Shredded Wheat clock

The iconic landmark has arrived at the Cooden Beach Hotel and is already proving a popular attraction...but this time it's made out of wheat.

The model is a replica of Big Ben made out of wheat sheaf reeds - even down to the roman numerals on each of its four faces.

It stands five metres tall and is 2.5 metres wide, and was the largest of eight exhibits in the Land Of Wheat And Glory exhibition organised by Shredded Wheat in association with British Food Fortnight.

The clock was couriered down from London on Wednesday morning and then carefully put together on the forecourt of the hotel under the watchful eye of owner James Kimber.

This new tourist attraction is here courtesy of Sandra Melvin of Bexhill In Bloom who organised for it to come here following a Shredded Wheat project on British landmarks.

She hopes it will boost interest and bring visitors to the area but also feature on the Health Walks in Bexhill, with which she is involved as a leader, and which already highlight the town's well-known timepieces.

The clock, created by artist Michelle Reader from Hackney, will last for approximately a year and should survive any amount of wind and rain coming off the sea. At the end of that time, it is likely Big Ben will be composted.

Town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon, wearing his clock tie for the occasion, said: "It is a pleasure to be here today. I think it is such a great initiative for Bexhill to obtain the Shredded Wheat Clock, Big Ben, particularly as I am very passionate about our Clock Tower which in 2004 celebrated 100 years and I understand that the mechanism in it is the same as Big Ben.

"It is impressive...something different."