A dedicated police unit is returning to the seafront with the help of community support officers.

Three Sussex Police officers and three Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will make up Brighton's cycle team, patrolling the beach during the summer.

The unit members, who can be spotted on their trademark mountain bicycles, are returning following the success of a pilot scheme last year to provide dedicated officers for the seafront.

The team will target low-level drug dealing and problem drinkers, as well as working with seafront businesses and Brighton and Hove City Council workers to tackle illegal trading.

Acting Chief Inspector Steve Barry said: "The team will do uniform patrols on the seafront and if we get any calls through from the beach, they are able to respond quickly.

"After Easter the number of people on the seafront increases as the premises open and that is the time to get a police presence down there."