A police officer sacked for making a racist comment will take his case to appeal.

PC Tim Guest, stationed at Hailsham, was fired in January after a black teenager stepped in front of his patrol car and he told colleagues: "Watch the macaroon - we almost potted a black."

The father-of-four admits the comment was inappropriate but believes the punishment does not fit the crime.

Mr Guest, 39, was told yesterday that his dismissal had been upheld by Sussex Chief Constable Ken Jones and he would have to take his case to an appeal panel.

He is being supported by Norman Brennan, director of Protect The Protectors which campaigns for the rights of police officers.

Mr Brennan, who served in the police for 26 years, said: "The public want police officers who are fully trained and effective. They don't want officers to be made scapegoats."

Mr Guest has insisted he is not racist and has a greater awareness of prejudice because he had relatives who were travellers.

He compared his case with one highlighted in The Argus in January, when a Brighton detective was fined for telling a female colleague she had been promoted because of her colour.

Mr Guest's case will be heard in six months.