Residents have spoken of their dismay after Worthing's first lapdancing club was given the go-ahead.

Councillors today agreed to grant the controversial Chatsworth Road Le Chic club a year's trial run following a stormy meeting which led to protesters being ejected from the public gallery.

The demonstration was led by 89-year-old war hero Steve Stevens who rose to his feet and started shouting 20 minutes into the licensing meeting at Worthing Town Hall.

He was immediately told to sit down by committee chairman John Lovell, who then adjourned the meeting as security guards, who had earlier searched people's bags as they entered, escorted around 25 campaigners out of the debating chamber.

The meeting was minutes later reconvened in the nearby Gordon Room, with the Press, but not the public, present.

Mr Stevens, a Second World War Beaufighter pilot decorated for bravery, who wore his medals to the meeting, remained defiant.

His outburst was backed by fellow campaigner Raymond New, 68, of Howard Street, Worthing, who said: "We are here to make a public stand. Lapdancing is just the tip of the iceberg. If this is introduced all sorts of other things could be introduced."

But Mark Weeden, pastor of Worthing Tabernacle church, Chapel Road, who was speaking against the club, apologised for the behaviour of Mr Stevens, who collected a 600-name protest petition.

Mr Weeden had earlier told councillors: "Alcohol plus erotic dancing will fuel the passions and appetites of males who are in these premises. The consequences of this are bawdiness, loudness and lewdness."

He feared the potential for vandalism, sex-related crime and domestic violence would increase.

Mr Weeden was also concerned that sex workers could be trafficked from eastern Europe to become dancers against their wills.

Barry Wells, co-owner of the club, insisted there would be stringent checks on dancers, supplied by agencies, to make sure they were not illegal immigrants forced into performing.

He had been very surprised at the positive reaction from the public after plans for the lapdancing club were unveiled.

Mr Wells said both men and women would be welcomed to the club, which would cater for up to 120 people at any one time between 9pm and 3.30am.

There would be up to eight dancers performing at any one time, but full nudity, touching, and private dancing would be banned.

Mr Wells agreed to raise the age limit for both dancers and customers from 18 to 21 before being given a year's licence starting on July 1.

Protesters now have 21 days to appeal to the magistrates' court, and can ask for a review of the licence at any time if they felt rules were being breached.

After the meeting, Mr Weeden said: "I am disappointed. It goes against the council's philosophy for the town, advocting sun, sea and shopping.

"They are trying to promote Worthing as a pleasant family-orientated town and this goes against that stance."

He feared there might now be further applications but vowed to continue protesting.

Mr Stevens said: "It is exactly what I expected. I am convinced it will increase sexual molestation."

But he would not be checking up on the club, stating: "I would get accused by the critical public of wanting to see the strippers. I am in a cleft stick."