Families and friends of prison inmates demanded a change in visiting hours at a noisy demonstration.

A group of about 20 protesters gathered outside Lewes Prison with banners and loud speakers to appeal to governor Paul Carroll to restore the previous visiting system.

Families used to be able to book shorter but more frequent visits but now visits must be booked in advance and last at least an hour and a half.

Some protesters said they were having to wait more than a fortnight for an appointment.

The rally, held on Saturday and organised by Brighton Unemployed, Advice and Rights Centre, was watched over by several police officers.

One woman, whose boyfriend is in the prison on remand, said: "I came to see him yesterday and wasn't allowed to.

"I've spoken to him on the phone and his morale is really low. I'm not coping at all. I'm finding it really hard not being able to see him as often."

The Prison Service has admitted the new system, introduced by Mr Carroll, has led to a reduction in visiting sessions.

A spokeswoman said: "There has been a reorganisation of visiting sessions which has involved a reduction in the number of visiting times.

"The governor will always look at organising a visit in cases of particular hardship, where it may not have been possible to arrange a visit in advance."

Mr Carroll did not come out to speak to the demonstrators and no one from the prison was available for comment.