Residents are invited to join a group set up to help protect a beauty spot.

Telscombe Tye, on the Downs near Telscombe Cliffs, suffers almost annual summer invasions by travellers and debate continues over whether it should be fenced off.

Now residents are setting up a Friends of Telscombe Tye group.

Two public meetings are being arranged so people from Saltdean, Telscombe and Peacehaven can find out more.

John Carden, the man behind the project, has the backing of Telscombe Town Council, which bought the land in 1989.

He said: "The group will not be a pressure group but consist of people who are genuinely interested in matters surrounding the Tye, keeping it well maintained and protecting it for future generations."

Work parties, organised walks and newsletters are planned.

The Friends' main committee will probably include council representatives, members of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and other environmental organisations.

Mr Carden said the group needed members to carry out conservation work, help with administration or just pay an annual subscription and receive newsletters. Membership will probably cost £3.

There are two meetings, on November 16 at Telscombe Town Hall and November 23 at St Martin's Church Hall, East Saltdean. Both start at 7.30pm.