Vacancies at GP surgeries in Sussex are lower than the average for England.

A British Medical Association survey shows the number of unfilled posts nationally is growing with an average of 3.4 per cent empty for three months or more.

In Brighton and Hove there are five vacancies out of 153 posts and only one has been empty more than three months.

The Eastbourne Downs Primary Care Trust (PCT) area has one part-time vacancy out of 93 posts.

The Sussex Weald and Downs area has two full-time and two part-time vacancies out of 84.

GPs across Sussex face mounting pressures to meet government targets and deal with increasing numbers of patients.

Low pay and long hours has led to low morale with many threatening to quit.

The number of new graduates choosing to go into general practice is also falling although it is hoped the opening of the new medical school in Sussex will boost numbers in the long term.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City PCT said: "We work very hard to improve primary care services generally and make it easier for people to see a GP quickly.

"This includes helping practices recruit GPs and nurses, providing extra funding for new premises and equipment and offering expertise to cut the time it takes to get an appointment."