A police car is being sponsored by a crime writer.

Best-selling author Peter James will have his name emblazoned on the side of a £9,000 Hyundai Getz patrol car.

Mr James, 59, who lives near Lewes, will hand over the keys to Sussex Police on Thursday to coincide with the launch of his fourth book Dead Man's Footsteps.

The car will be based in Brighton and Hove but will not be used to answer 999 calls.

Instead, it will help tackle crime in the community by providing a high-visibility presence while officers are working in local neighbourhoods.

The black hatchback will carry the slogan: "Peter James - No 1 for crime writingî in bright yellow letters down both sides.

The bonnet and boot will carry the Sussex Police logo and the words: "Peter James - Supporting Brighton and Hove Division."

It is the first commercial deal between an author and the police and is backed by publishers Pan Macmillan.

Mr James's series of Brighton-based Roy Grace novels has sold more than three million copies worldwide.

He has a close working relationship with Sussex Police and once a fortnight goes on patrol with officers or attends crime scenes and post-mortems.

The Brighton-born author said: "I have worked very closely with Sussex CID to ensure their policing methods are authentically represented in my work.

"I admire the dedication of police officers who often put their lives at risk in order to protect public safety.

"I am indebted to them for the insight they have given me into their work.

"I am delighted to offer this car as a token of recognition and thanks."

Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce, divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, said: "The car will not be used to respond to emergency calls.

"Its sole use will be in the local community to provide a quick way for officers to get to their local neighbourhood areas.

"We are very grateful to Peter James and Pan Macmillan for their generous offer in sponsoring a vehicle.

"It will prove to be an essential tool which gives our neighbourhood teams greater flexibility to provide an even better quality of policing."

Geoff Duffield, Pan Macmillan, sales and marketing manager, added: "Peter is one of the world's best-selling crime thriller brands.

"But his roots and those of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace are firmly in the community that is in Brighton.

"This is about putting the brand back into Brighton and doing it in a way that contributes to the community."