Cemetery gates will be locked at night to prevent vandals smashing gravestones and memorials.

The move follows a series of attacks at Broadwater Cemetery in Worthing. About 100 graves in the South Farm Road cemetery were vandalised recently and graffiti daubed on the wall of the chapel.

Stone crosses and vases were smashed, and the culprits left cans of alcohol strewn around the gravestones in an incident which sparked outrage in Worthing and led to police stepping up their presence in the area.

Now officials say they have no choice but to lock the grounds at night to prevent any further incidents.

Notices have gone up advising relatives of the move.

Ian Rudkin, Worthing Borough Council's crematorium and cemetery registrar, said: "It is sad that a minority of people have caused this.

"Initially it will be for a three month trial but it could be permanent."

He said they would be monitoring Durrington Cemetery, also run by the council, to see if the same measures needed to be taken there.

Councillor Peter Green, Worthing Borough Council's executive member for environmental services, said they were not given any other option.

He said: "What other way is there to combat the vandalism?

"It is a regrettable step but we came to the conclusion that it was our only option."

Tom Wye, president of the Combined Ex-servicemen's Association, which has graves in the cemetery, said: "I think it is very unfortunate but very necessary.

"Nobody wants this but we have to reluctantly agree with it.

"It will inconvenience some people but hopefully not too many. Most of all, we hope it inconveniences the vandals who have been doing this."

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "It is unfortunate that the cemetery staff have had to take this measure but if it improves security then it is a necessary step."

The new opening times at Broadwater Cemetery are March 9am-6pm, April 9am-7pm, May, June, July and August 9am-8pm, September 9am-7pm, October 9am-5pm, November, December, January and February 9am-4pm.