Plans are being drawn up to make the tourist industry in Sussex the best in Britain.

The West Sussex Economic Forum (WSEF) wants the county's tourist industry to be held up as an example and is planning a hospitality skills drive.

The first stop will be the most detailed skills needs study ever undertaken, funded by the Sussex Learning and Skills Council.

WSEF executive officer Pam Foden said: "Hospitality contributes more than £337 million to the economy of West Sussex. Following foot and mouth and the terrorism attack last autumn, the market has become more competitive than ever.

"We must ensure the very highest quality training to retain and attract the best people.

"There is already a shortage of chefs in the UK and other skills such as housekeeping suffer from high staff turnover and little formal qualification."

Researchers will talk in detail to hotels and further education colleges.

The aim is to provide valuable information on skill levels and to help structure training provision.

It will also identify best practice training opportunities within the industry in West Sussex.

Mrs Foden said: "If the next Jamie Oliver lives in West Sussex, we want to make sure he has the best possible training. If we can achieve this, we'll help the industry grow."