A councillor at the centre of a two-year race slur row has quit his party, branding accusations against him "disgusting".

Pat Beresford last night publicly resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Adur District Council.

The 57-year-old financial adviser will continue to represent Churchill ward as an independent until the elections in May.

He has been battling to clear his name after being branded a racist and bigot in a letter to Lib Dem officials from another party member, who is not a councillor.

Mr Beresford believes the party has not taken appropriate action and he can no longer continue to lead it.

He announced at a meeting of the Tory-controlled council: "In March 2000 two party members accusing me of being a racist and a bigot wrote a letter to an officer of the Lib Dem party.

"I have been struggling since then to get the party to act on the accusations.

"An inquiry was authorised by the party's regional executive in December last year.

"The only punishment was to reprimand the two persons responsible. They are allowed to remain as members and have not been required to apologise or withdraw the accusations.

"When any group leader speaks within the confines of the council he speaks on behalf of the whole party.

"I am unable to speak on behalf of people who publicly accuse me of being a racist bigot or those who protect them.

"I do not wish to be a member of a political party which protects people who make such disgusting and unfounded accusations.

Councillor Keith Dollemore told the council he would follow suit in sympathy with his party colleague.

Coun Beresford's partner Joy Hartley, who is a Lib Dem councillor and chairs Lancing Parish Council, will remain in the party.

The split leaves the Lib Dems with five Adur councillors, led by Lisa Vaughan.

Mr Beresford said the letter which sparked the row was sent by ex-councillor Doris Martin, then on the Lib Dem committee to choose a parliamentary candidate.

He said Mrs Martin said she was unwilling to allow him to join the committee because he and his partner were prejudiced against her Irish descent.