Multiple sclerosis sufferers were left devastated by news that a charity-run care hotel will close.

Kenninghall Multiple Sclerosis Care Hotel in Shakespeare Road, Worthing, will close at the end of November.

Staff and hotel users say they are devastated by the Multiple Sclerosis Society's decision.

The society blamed under-occupancy for the closure and said it wanted to develop home respite care and its three respite care centres across the UK instead.

The news has come as a shock to staff and sufferers staying at the hotel, which has ten full-time and 13 part-time staff and has been open for 20 years.

Pam Shilson, respite organiser for the Waltham branch of the society in north London, has nine members staying at the hotel at the moment.

Pam, 61, said: "We are all absolutely devastated. Some people have been in tears.

"It is a lifeline and like a second home to many of us. The staff are wonderful and we are very upset for them."

Sufferer Sandy Hawkins, 53, said: "It is just a wonderful place.

"They treat you like a human being rather than a disabled person.

"We will do anything we can to keep it from closing. We will hold a sit-in on the last day if we thought that could help."

Elaine Palmer, 58, who is confined to a wheelchair, said: "I can't put into words how much it means to me and my husband that we can come for a holiday and know we will be properly looked after.

"I just want it put on record that the users of the hotel are not happy at this decision."

Society chief executive Mike O'Donovan said: "The board of trustees fully understands the disappointment guests who have stayed at Kenninghall will feel and expresses its sincere appreciation of the dedication shown by staff, volunteers and supporters.

"The trustees have reiterated their concern about the under-occupancy at the home and reaffirmed their commitment to direct operational savings and proceeds from the sale of Kenninghall to the benefit of these most affected by multiple sclerosis.

"The board has agreed to ask care providers to submit tenders for the purchase of Kenninghall with a continuing service which can offer respite care to people with MS with high dependency needs.

"The board will discuss selected tenders at its October meeting."