Job losses are expected after a property group bought out a Sussex-based construction group in a multi-million pound deal.

Eastbourne-based Llewellyn Group was yesterday bought out by Rok for £16.3 million.

Rok bosses predicted there would be job losses as a result, prompting fears for staff in Eastbourne and Brighton.

Garvis Snook, chief executive of Exeter-based Rok, could not give details about possible numbers.

Llewellyn has its head office in South Street, Eastbourne, a depot in North Street, Portslade, and operations across the South-East.

Workers have expressed concern for their futures.

Mr Snook said: "In Llewellyn we have found an acquisition which is an excellent strategic fit with Rok's existing operations and provides the platform to expand our activities throughout southern England."

It is estimated 130 employees with more than 25 years' experience are with Llewellyn, which is led by group joint managing directors Judy Llewellyn-Burke and Tim Llewellyn.

The firm was launched in Eastbourne more than 100 years ago by Walter Llewellyn, who oversaw a period of massive expansion.

During the Second World War, work was in huge demand as it helped repair bombed buildings such as the Cavendish Hotel, Barclays Bank and the library in Eastbourne.

In 1963, the company completed building work on the Congress Theatre.

Llewellyn restored the five-star Grand hotel in Brighton following the IRA bombing in 1984.

It built the Asda superstore opposite The Argus offices in Hollingbury, Brighton, in 1987.

In 1999, Llewellyn completed a £21 million contract to completely refurbish Butlins in Bognor.

It operates from locations across Britain, employing 800 people.