Six women were among a party of 22 officials from the new regime in Afghanistan who visited Worthing Town Hall on a fact-finding mission.

They were welcomed by Mayor and Mayoress Eric and Liz Mardell, who said they were the first Afghans to visit the Chapel Road seat of power.

The party was given a tour of the town hall and its debating chamber before enjoying tea and cakes in the mayor's parlour.

The visitors were invited to Britain for a five-week "nation rebuilding" course by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw following his visit to Afghanistan.

The visitors are staying at the Crown Agents' international management training centre, opposite Splash Point, on Worthing seafront.

The women, all wearing head scarves according to Muslim tradition, include Momina Yari, a leading light in the Ministry of Women's Affairs.

The group's programme will consist of training sessions and study visits to show working examples of British democracy, including trips to the House of Commons, the Treasury and the Foreign and Commonwealth Departments.

At the end of their stay the Afghans should have a clear understanding of how central and local government works in Britain and have gained some of the management skills needed to rebuild their country's civil service.