Every effort will be made to find a permanent site for off-road motorcyclists where they will not annoy neighbours, councillors have said.

The chosen track will have to be well away from the built-up area of Brighton and Hove.

City councillors have agreed to order a study into possible sites after receiving two petitions.

One, presented by councillor Francis Tonks, called for a permanent track in East Brighton.

The other, handed in by councillor Geoff Wells, made a similar request from Woodingdean.

Council officer Sue Drummond, who will co-ordinate the search, said a meeting had already been held between officials and police.

She said: "We will look right across the city but there is no good site."

Chairman Ian Duncan said: "We have been close to securing a solution in the past."

Labour councillor Mike Middleton reminded colleagues that a few years ago they went for a site at Waterhall Valley but the idea was dropped after opposition.

He said: "If we have a site, we must all stand together for it this time."

Labour councillor Brian Fitch said the site had to be well out in the countryside, possibly on council-owned farmland.

He told the meeting that a few years ago, model aircraft plagued areas of Brighton such as Coldean. A solution was found with a downland site off the Saddlescombe Road.

Coun Fitch said on no account must the bikers use sites such as Toad's Hole Valley in Hove where they caused a great nuisance.

Once councillors have chosen a suitable site, the council can then apply for planning permission.

The site could be on land owned by the council but within another district.