One of Brighton's oldest seaside attractions has shut for good.

Thousands of families have enjoyed the children's paddling pool near the West Pier since it opened 65 years ago.

The move has surprised and angered many residents.

Council contractors have drained the paddling pool and locked up for the last time.

The neighbouring toilets have also been closed.

Brighton and Hove Council is building a new wet and dry play area for youngsters on the town's borders.

It is part of its Seaside Development Initiative.

The council claims it is too expensive to build the new paddling pool and to also maintain the existing one.

Council officers were unable to reveal the pool's annual repair and maintenance bill because the work is done by contractors.

But so far there are no plans to build on the site so the paddling pool will be covered and left empty.

A local trader, who asked not to be named, said: "We watched the kids leave at 5pm and by 6.30pm the pool was drained.

"It has been here for such a long time and is easily one of our most popular attractions. I hope someone starts a petition to save it."

Selma Montford, secretary of the Brighton Society, said: "I am horrified. I used to take my children there and now I take my grandchildren.

"As soon as the weather is warm and the schools are out, the pool is absolutely chock-a-block.

"It's a great asset for the town, particularly because it is safe to play in, even for small children.

"I'm sure it will cost much more to build a new one than it does to maintain the existing one."

A council spokeswoman said: "The paddling pool is not reopening next year. It is old and not worth repairing any more.

"The new pool, which will open by next summer, will be just as big as the old one.

"It will also have special water features."