A package of measures designed to help Littlehampton recover from the Sarah Payne tragedy will be unveiled tonight.

The "tourist recovery plan" for Littlehampton follows a slump in the town's major industry after the kidnap and murder of the eight-year-old 18 months ago.

Many visitors stayed away and some coach party bookings were cancelled after it was revealed that the man accused of killing Sarah had been living in a flat overlooking Littlehampton seafront.

With killer Roy Whiting now behind bars for life, the town's mayor, Mark Butler, is determined to win back the missing visitors.

He said: "The Sarah Payne case was a dreadful tragedy and although Littlehampton as a town was not to blame we were portrayed in a dreadful light by the national media."

Last summer the town council spent £10,000 on an advertising campaign called "the coast is clear" to promote Littlehampton and its attractions.

Tonight councillors will discuss a new tourist recovery plan being drawn up with Arun District Council which will see around £50,000 spent on advertising and special promotions.

Mr Butler said: "As mayor I want to get the message across that Littlehampton is a smashing and safe place to visit."

He added: "The Sarah Payne case was dreadful but it is time to move on."

The town is also celebrating after hearing that a heat of the national Zapcats championship will take place during the town's annual regatta on July 27-28 and will be screened on satellite television.