Brighton's historic Clock Tower has broken just weeks after its gleaming new look was unveiled.

The golden ball, which rises and falls to mark each passing hour, has ground to a halt.

Engineers were alerted by concerned shoppers.

Tests revealed a switch controlling the descent of the ball was faulty. A new switch has been ordered and was due to be fitted today.

The ball was designed by Magnus Volk, who founded Brighton's seafront railway, to rise hydraulically up the mast and fall on the hour so passing ships could set their chronometers.

Although popular when the tower opened in 1888, it was discontinued in 1902 because the sound frightened horses.

Brighton and Hove City Council installed a new and silent mechanism last year as part of a restoration of the tower for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

A council spokeswoman said the mechanism should be working again later today.