Parents took their battle to save a centre for autistic youngsters to the High Court today.

A judicial review on the future of the Palmeira Project in Hove began with descriptions of the needs of the five youngsters who attend.

A father, acting on behalf of the other parents, is challenging Brighton and Hove Council's decision to shut the project next month.

The centre is run for Brighton and Hove Council by the charity NCH Action for Children.

Mr Justice Hooper began the review by stating: "Change for children of this kind is extremely harmful."

He said the parents had expected their children to remain at the Palmeira Project.

He said: "When these children went into Palmeira Project it was after some assessment, and whether or not it is a legitimate expectation they certainly would have had an expectation that they would have stayed there for a time."

He said the council had a contract agreement that would last for three years.

He said: "What I really want to know is what was done before they went into the Palmeira Project."

The court heard about the needs of the autistic youngsters, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Lawyer Jenny Richards, appearing for the parents, said the youngsters had behavioural difficulties, including aggression and aversion to noise and speech, and needed specialist care.

She said it was extremely difficult for the parents to care properly for their children at home.

The review, which is expected to last for three days, continues.