A computer error resulted in residents being bombarded with questionnaires designed to gauge their community spirit.

One couple returned home from holiday to find they had received 14 identical letters.

Judy and Gary Barnes are angry at the waste of money and paper at a time when the Government and local authorities are hammering home the need to cut down on waste and recycle more.

Judy, from Ferring, said: "It's ridiculous. It's not only a complete waste of money but a waste of paper. Hasn't the council got recycling targets to meet?

"We were on holiday at the time but my son said they all came within a day or two of each other."

The envelopes contained a survey, commissioned by West Sussex County Council, about residents' level of community involvement.

They had been sent to 4,400 homes in the county to find out how involved people were in the community, from helping out neighbours to running local sports teams.

The survey, paid for by the Government, was carried out on behalf of the council by research company Questions Answered.

The council has apologised after admitting some residents received multiple copies of the letter.

The mistake has been put down to an error with computerised printer settings.

Philip Coleman, the council's head of policy, said: "People are understandably cross.

"We understand that a small number of people in the Worthing, Henfield and Hassocks areas were sent the same letter several times."

Council chief executive Paul Rigg said: "I apologise for any inconvenience caused. Any extra postage and printing costs will be carried by the company so there will be no additional costs to council taxpayers.

"The survey will provide us with important information so I urge anyone receiving a questionnaire to complete and return the form."