Dolphins are definitely out there, but not many people have been lucky enough to spot them off the Sussex coast.

But according to biologist Stephen Savage, with a few lessons - and a lot of luck - the marine mammals can often be seen in Sussex waters.

On Wednesday he will start teaching a seven-week course to increase awareness about these well-loved creatures as well as whales.

Some of the sessions will reveal a darker side to their characters not revealed in the hit television show Flipper which made them famous.

Stephen, regional co-ordinator of the Sea Watch Foundation, said: "Recent studies have shown a not-so-nice side to them.

"There is an emphasis on dolphins being lovely animals who spend all day playing, but it is not necessarily true."

Instead, a complex social structure controls their behaviour with dominant members ruthlessly ruling the group, which is usually made up of two to four animals.

Stephen said sexual tension can mount within groups, particularly as teenage males and females fight for the top positions.

Incidences of 'porpoise bashing' have also been reported in groups in UK waters - but not in Sussex.

Stephen said: "Dolphins have been scientifically-recorded killing porpoises for no apparent reason.

"The cute side of dolphins has been pushed by humans for so long that people often find these characteristics shocking."

Bottlenose dolphins, which usually surface about every minute to breathe, are the most common species spotted off the Sussex coast from Peacehaven to Worthing between May and September.

Two out of three sightings are from the shore, sometimes only 50 yards from land.

Stephen, 40, who is based in Eastbrook Road, Portslade, said: "Dolphins are elegant, beautiful and graceful animals but mystery still surrounds them.

"We see them for a few months a year in the Channel but we don't really know where they go to at other times."

He hopes the course, which will be held at Brighton College of Technology, may help recruit more voluntary observers to regularly scan the sea for sightings of dolphins and whales.

The data collected is put on a national database to help form a picture of the behaviour and habits of the animals around the UK.

Anyone interested in the course can phone Stephen Savage on 01273 424339 or Brighton College of Technology on 01273 763491.