Former school playing fields are to be turned into a landscaped park for the community.

The ownership of Rosemead public open space in Littlehampton has been transferred to Littlehampton Town Council.

The land was owned by a private girls school and then, after the school closed four years ago, by Arun District Council.

Now district councillors have transferred the right to the land to town councillors for £1.

Arun chairman Richard Dickinson said: "The future of Rosemead as a public open space was protected from development in 1998.

"Littlehampton Town Council has some wonderful plans for it, which should increase its enjoyment for residents. We look forward to seeing those plans put into practice."

Mayor of Littlehampton Wendy Squires said: "I know local residents are keenly involved in the future of this land, which will be for the benefit of the whole community.

"We have already been in discussion with West Sussex County Council to improve the safety of the northern footpath between the school and the public open space and they have made a financial commitment to help us."

The town council has also taken over responsibility for a play area on the land.

Its first job will be to remove graffiti and repair playground equipment.