Brighton and Hove's three MPs today backed plans to set up a medical school in the city.

Ivor Caplin, David Lepper and Des Turner pledged their support to the city's two universities, who are bidding to set up the school.

The three Labour MPs have written to Health Secretary Alan Milburn saying Brighton is an "outstanding candidate".

If ministers back the £28.5 million idea, the proposed Brighton and Sussex Medical School will take its first 128 students in 2003.

The Government wants to increase the number of doctors training nationwide by 1,000 because there are twice as many applicants as places.

The trio of MPs said Government backing for the bid would be a tangible symbol of support for Sussex and surrounding counties.

Speaking at Sussex University's Falmer campus, Hove MP Mr Caplin said the school would represent another centre of excellence in the city.

Clinical training would take place at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, while teaching would be shared by the two universities.

Some 160 jobs are expected to be created if the plan succeeds.

The Government is expected to announce the successful applicants in April.

The University of Sussex ditched an earlier plan to create a medical school two years ago, saying it was not ready to take undergraduate doctors.