Sir Patrick Moore could present an award to residents who won a battle to cut light pollution outside their homes.

He will be asked to present an award of the British Astronomical Association's appreciation to people in Stonery Road, Portslade.

They complained that the lights in flats opposite - which they likened to searchlights from Colditz, the wartime German prison camp - shone into some of their homes at night.

The residents took Brighton and Hove Council to court last year and won their fight to have the lights repositioned.

The judge paid a night-time visit to Stonery Road and ruled that the council should change the lights so they did not shine across the road.

The BAA has hailed the move as an important victory for cutting light pollution.

The association's Campaign For Dark Skies was co-founded by Sir Patrick, who lives at Selsey, near Chichester.

Members decided to present the award of appreciation to the people of Stonery Road in recognition of their victory.

Resident Dave Bonwick, 62, said: "I think they are trying to get Sir Patrick to present it to us.

"At the time, the lights made the flats look like Colditz and you could read a book in my bedroom with my lights off and the curtains shut.

"The British Astronomical Society has recognised the contribution we have made locally to cutting light pollution.

"Councils should be more responsible and should include policies on light pollution in their local plan."