The number of people living with HIV in Sussex has shot up by 50 per cent in the past four years.

Leading charity Terrence Higgins Trust South says more than 1,200 people in the county now have the virus, compared with about 800 in 2000.

The figure could be higher, with many people unaware they are HIV positive. Most of the 1,200 live in the Brighton and Hove area and the majority are gay men.

Ninety-seven new cases of HIV were diagnosed in the city last year, compared with 86 the year before and 43 in 1999.

The estimated 20,000 gay men in the city are being targeted in a new prevention programme. The increase is partly due to Brighton having better services for HIV than most areas and it is believed many gay men move to the city to use them.

The trust has offices in Brighton and Eastbourne, gives advice and information about HIV and runs Face2Face, which gives people the chance to talk to another gay man about sex and relationships.

Other services include counselling, support and evening drop-ins at Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.

Melanie Ottewill, senior health adviser at the Claude Nicol clinic at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, said: "We are seeing increasing numbers of HIV infections. We offer sexual health services, including HIV testing. For patients living with HIV, we give treatment and support."

Rod Watson, regional manager for health promotion at the trust, said: "Gay men's services support people's efforts to stay safe and empower men to overcome the exclusion and prejudice that can affect safety."

Call the trust on 01273 764200.