Traders are fuming after raising hundreds of pounds for palm trees only for one to be stolen the day after it was planted.

The trees were to be the latest stage of the transformation of Lancing Beach Green, adding to the Mediterranean feel of the area.

But traders in South Street, Lancing, who had raised the money for the trees, which cost £70 each, were shocked to discover the theft on Sunday.

Angela Mills, of the Hop in Cafe, South Street, said: "They were paid for with local people's money and had only been there a day. I think it's disgusting."

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, who was on Lancing seafront to see the trees being planted on Saturday, said he was "amazed" someone had been able to lift the tree and hoped it was a one-off.

He said: "Lancing seafront has really been smartened up over the past couple of years and that has been largely down to a lot of hard work by Jayne Sykes-Strudwick and fellow councillors Wendy Gray and Angie Mills.

"Jayne has been responsible for the flowerbeds at the western end of the green and the very smart Welcome to Lancing boat, which are stunning.

"This latest addition of palm trees sets it off beautifully and I am sure they will be appreciated by local people and the increasing number of visitors to Lancing Beach as well."

"The project has been undertaken without any money from Lancing Parish Council and local council tax payers and entirely down to the generosity of local people, local businesses and Jayne's great powers of persuasion.

"With these improvements to the seafront I am sure people really will want to take a pride in the area and make sure it is kept looking smart and free from vandalism."