A village is out to boost its tourist potential by encouraging foreign visitors.

Better signposting and coach parking facilities are being sought as Rottingdean, near Brighton, tries to put itself firmly on the tourist map.

The village's charms include an 11th Century church, a windmill, tea rooms and a wide range of English pubs.

Other attractions include the former homes of writer Rudyard Kipling and designer Sir Edward Burne Jones, a museum, shops, and the Kipling Gardens.

The pavements have recently been extended and the number of shops in the village has risen.

There was criticism last week when a Trades and Travel Directory for Brighton and Hove practically ignored Rottingdean and its attractions.

The Rottingdean Trade Business and Professional Association, backed by local councillor Lynda Hyde and Rottingdean Parish Council, wants shops and businesses in the village to thrive and believe encouraging more visitors is the key.

The trades association wants Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council to put up signs between Brighton and Newhaven saying 'To the Historic Village of Rottingdean by the Sea'.

They also want signs saying 'Welcome to the Historic Village of Rottingdean' at the main entrances to the village.

Chairman of the association Harold Williams said: "There are no signs for Rottingdean in the Newhaven area and anyone coming out of the port towards Brighton would think the village did not exist."

To encourage travellers using the Newhaven ferry, the traders plan to advertise the village with a series of on-board slide shows.

Mr Williams said: "Too many coaches and cars are driving past the village.

"If we can get more tourists into the village spending money this will ensure other shops and vital businesses like banks survive."