Historic stones removed from a country park are being replaced after complaints from activists.

Sarsen stones, a feature of Stanmer Park in Brighton, were taken away by contractors from the approach to Stanmer House while maintenance took place.

Countryside activist John Carden raised their disappearance with Brighton and Hove City Council and said they should be returned.

Open spaces councillor Heather James said: "I have taken action and the stones are being replaced."

The stones were removed from grass verges in the park so that the grass could be cut.

Part of their purpose was to prevent drivers leaving the park road and driving over grassed areas.

Coun James said: "The stones should have been replaced but unfortunately they were not and the area in front of the church was badly damaged by joy riders.

"This included damage to one of the fine lamp posts in the park which was removed."

Mr Carden said: "Some time ago I noticed some of the stones had gone.

"They were originally hooked off the soil by farmers so that they did not damage the ploughs.

"Some of them seem to have been used to form a dry stone wall at the Welcome to Brighton and Hove sign at Patcham."

The stones are a natural feature of the area and the name Stanmer is Saxon in origin meaning stony pond or pool.

Mr Carden said: "Stanmer is one of the only places in the South-East that has these stones.

"They are thousands of years old and they are a feature of Stanmer. I am glad that they are being replaced."

A council spokesman said: "They are part of the cultural fabric of our countryside and should not be moved about without due consideration, especially where they contributed to the name of a historic park."