The world's first floodlit pitch for both football and rugby will open in Brighton.

The £557,000 Waterhall Sports Ground, due to open at Brighton Rugby Football Club in September, will accommodate more than 11,000 footballers and 10,000 rugby players every year.

The 120m by 70m floodlit artificial grass pitch has been funded by the Football Foundation and the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

It is the first pitch of its kind that meets the technical requirements for both games.

Links will be formed with schools, community groups and both football and rugby clubs throughout the region.

Peter Lee, chief executive of the Football Foundation, welcomed the new sporting partnership between Brighton Rugby Club, Dorothy Stringer Sports College, Sussex County Football Association, Sussex Rugby Football Union and Brighton and Hove City Council's sports development team.

He said: "Football and rugby have shown sport can work together for the benefit of communities."

Dave Stubley, RFU funding and facilities executive, said: "Everyone involved is very excited about it."