A web designer is set to become Worthing's youngest mayor.

James Doyle, 38, from Broadwater, has been asked to take on the role in 2003/04.

The Liberal Democrat councillor's name will officially be put forward at a council committee meeting next month and is likely to be rubber-stamped by fellow councillors.

If approved, Councillor Doyle would take over from fellow Lib Dem Eric Mardell.

Coun Doyle is a freelance web designer recently employed by Methvens bookshop in South Street, Worthing.

He said: "It would be a huge honour. If I was to do it, I would put myself into the role wholeheartedly. It is such a huge commitment in terms of time but to be asked to do it is really very humbling."

The mayoress would be Coun Doyle's wife, Melanie, a police sergeant based in Worthing, who is also conductor of Worthing Silver Band.

Coun Doyle was councillor for Offington from 1995 to 1999 when he stood in Gaisford but was defeated. He returned to the council last year after being elected to serve the Selden ward.