Filling stations across Sussex were hoping for fresh deliveries today after some garages ran dry over the weekend.

Despite warnings not to panic, motorists kept queuing and sold out signs appeared on forecourts.

The King's Drive Service Station in Eastbourne was forced to shut on Saturday afternoon.

Manager Peter Green said: "They don't need to have a fuel blockade now - people are doing it for them by buying up all the supplies.

"We had another delivery on Sunday, but will probably run out again soon because cars are already queuing back for about a mile."

Cashier Wendy Isted, of Pevensey Service Station in Bexhill Road, Pevensey, said: "It's been manic. Cars have been queuing out on to the road. As soon as a delivery comes in it disappears."

Garages on the A27 between Worthing and Shoreham, and the Brooklands service station, Brighton Road, Worthing, both shut their pumps yesterday.

Reg Bradford, a cashier at Texaco in Brighton Road, Lewes, said: "We are gradually running out of unleaded but there will be another delivery today."

A cashier at the BP Downway service station in Ditchling Road, Brighton, said there had been a steady stream of vehicles, adding: "I think people are getting the message that there's no need to panic buy."

Jackie Finch, manager of Downlands Service Station in Upper Brighton Road, Worthing, said: "Panic buying has caused us a lot of problems because the extra demand means we are running dry.

"We won't get another delivery until tonight. The other stations around here are having the same problem."