A controversial trip to China by Worthing Mayor Valerie Sutton and two council officers will not be funded with taxpayers' money.
The £7,000 three-day visit to the prestigious Nations in Bloom final has been fully paid for by private sponsors.
Mayor Sutton will be joined by Hywel Griffiths, director of community services, and parks manager Chris Bradley when she flies to Shenzhen later this month.
A major sponsorship drive by Worthing Borough Council resulted in more than 20 businesses and individuals providing cash for the civic delegation.
Councillor Tim Dice said: "Worthing will have the opportunity to measure itself against the best in the world in terms of environmental management."
The civic delegation will be in China from November 27 to December 4.
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