Brighton and Hove needs its own city police force, according to a top councillor.

Ken Bodfish, former chairman of Sussex Police Authority, says its officers should wear distinctive white helmets as a proud symbol of their identity.

The Brighton and Hove councillor said at a police authority meeting in Lewes: "The current organisation of Sussex Police means the two police divisions, one covering Brighton and the other Hove and Shoreham, is no longer acceptable.

"If the Queen can recognise the unity of the two towns of Brighton and Hove, Sussex police should.

"It is a daft situation that a walk down Western Road in the city centre means you will soon cross an outdated boundary established in the 19th Century and of no relevance 150 years later.

"Separate police divisions make no sense today and there has to be a change."

He added: "There is one feature of the old Brighton police which serious consideration should be given to - PCs wore white helmets.

"What a great recognition and celebration of our new city it would be if police officers on ceremonial and city centre beat patrols had white helmets."

A council spokesman said: "It hasn't been discussed formally, but having said that, it is an idea that a lot of councillors would be interested in getting the view of the police on."

Earlier this week Sussex Police said there were no plans to merge the two divisions which police the city or to form a city force.

Spokesman Chris Oswick said: "The two divisions have successfully worked together and there is no practical reason to amalgamate. But we share in the city's pride."

Police Authority chairman Margaret Johnson said: "We need to remember we cannot do this for Brighton and Hove alone.

"Consideration has to be given to the considerable costs that would involve this type of major reorganisation, among all the other priorities we currently have, of ensuring that Sussex is policed in the most efficient and effective way."