A £3.6 million scheme to improve one of the biggest tourist attractions in Sussex has been unveiled.

The famous Roman Palace at Fishbourne, near Chichester, was uncovered by accident more than 40 years ago by workmen digging a trench.

The complex now attracts more than 80,000 visitors every year to see some of the finest mosaics and other Roman remains discovered in Britain.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has approved a £121,000 grant to pay for a detailed design scheme showing how the complex will display Roman material for visitors.

The project could then be in line for a £2.5 million grant towards the final cost, which has been estimated at £3.6 million.

The scheme is being backed by district councillors at Chichester who may move some of the city's museum collection to the new Fishbourne site if the project gets off the ground.

Anne Bone, the district council's arts and heritage manager, said: "Fishbourne is one of the district's greatest heritage and tourism assets.

"While it is still well received by visitors, the displays are now somewhat dated in approach and technique."