A leading Tory MP has criticised the state of Brighton seafront during a visit yesterday.

Shadow cabinet member Michael Gove said the town's image was at risk as he toured the Regency ward with its two Conservative candidates.

He said: "I was quite surprised at the state of the seafront. The local authority is letting Brighton down.

"For me, the seafront is Brighton's greatest asset and getting it right is the key to the city's continued economic success."

Robert Nemeth and Michael Macfarlane are standing in the Regency ward.

Mr Macfarlane said: "The seafront is very popular but parts of it have become neglected.

"Many of the railings are rusting and it's a disgrace that more hasn't been done to reinstate the old bandstand. We want Brighton to become the primary city on the sea and improvements to the seafront need more planning."

The council is to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on seafront shelters, railings and other improvements this summer.

Regency ward has one Labour councillor, Roy Pennington, and a Lib Dem, Dawn Davidson, who is standing down. The Tories, Labour, Lib Dems and Greens are all targeting the ward.

For a full list of candidates for Brighton and Hove, click here.