Marshals will stand watch at a taxi rank in a bid to deter late-night violence.

Police have joined forces with cab drivers to base two marshals at the main taxi rank in Worthing town centre, which has become a flashpoint for fights.

It is hoped the marshals, wearing high visibility jackets, will stop brawls breaking out among drunken revellers as they queue for cabs.

The scheme is being launched on Friday and will run for a trial period on Friday and Saturday nights until the new year.

Ian Ramsey, of Worthing Taxi Association, has been working towards a taxi marshal scheme for 18 months.

He said: "We are pleased it has come to fruition. It will improve the general safety of the town centre taxi rank in Chapel Road and benefit passengers and taxi drivers alike.

"It will enable me as secretary of the association to encourage more drivers to work later into the night so people do not have to wait so long at the peak times of 11.30pm and 2am, thereby achieving the joint objective with the police of clearing the town rapidly."

Chief Inspector Jason Taylor, Worthing district police commander, said: "The fear and nuisance of violent crime in Worthing town centre concerns many people and is something I am determined to address.

"The perception of crime is far greater than the reality but I understand the need for both issues to be tackled.

"The taxi marshalling scheme is one of a number of measures being introduced as part of a coordinated approach by Worthing borough and the county council, the police and the taxi drivers themselves to make the town feel safer and more secure. It has my full support."

Angela Hibbin, violent crime reduction officer, said: "The marshals will quell any potentially volatile situations which may arise due to people queue jumping, being argumentative or generally drunk.

"By managing the queues, there should be less violent crime."