The end of an era is being signalled at a greyhound track as turf dating back decades is uprooted.

The turf has covered the straights of Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium in Nevill Road, Hove, since it first opened in 1928.

But maintaining it has become an increasing financial burden, and bosses have decided to bring the track in line with others across the country by sanding it.

Assistant racing manager Jeff Piper reckons it will be safer for the dogs without the switch from grass to sand.

He said: "Having the entire track sanded will slow them down but not to the point where it will affect the quality.

"Nearly every track in the country has gone over to sand. It's an end of an era for grass in greyhound racing.

"We've had a few owners asking if they could buy a piece of turf but demand has not been on a scale with Wembley Stadium.

"We will keep some parts for posterity but we haven't got any plans to sell them off large scale."

Reaction from owners and punters has been divided, with some preferring to keep tradition alive.

Maintenance manager Martin Wingham said: "Some people would have liked it to stay grassed but they accept that we are thinking of the dogs' safety.

"Removing the turf is a sad occasion but, to be honest, it has become a cosmetic feature and is not practical any more.

"Not only has the grass become expensive to maintain but during the winter it would get iced over.

"If anything, I think the sand will make the meetings better.

"It certainly won't affect the quality of race meetings."

Work is expected to last three weeks but will not interfere with meetings.