Sussex could soon have its own answer to the Angel of the North, the controversial towering statue at Gateshead.

An idea has been put forward to build a giant "trog-like" figure, complete with wings, to greet passengers arriving on the cross-Channel ferry at Newhaven.

Consultants have been employed by Lewes District Council to carry out a feasibility study on how public art could help regenerate the town's public spaces.

One proposal is to create an Angel of the South, taking Britain's largest sculpture as inspiration.

It would be placed high above the sea on Castle Hill to give visitors sailing into Sussex a striking first impression.

Jackie Ellis, district council tourism and arts manager, said Castle Hill was one of the areas earmarked for public art but nothing had yet been decided.

She said: "We are asking local people to get involved. One idea was to have an Angel of the South to welcome people from France.

"I love the idea of having something to welcome people coming into port. What that might be I don't really mind, as long as it gives people a warm welcome to England."