The new head of the largest hospitals trust in Sussex is determined to cut an £8 million deficit when he takes over in September.

Peter Coles will take over the running of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust from Stuart Welling, who retired this month after 13 years in the job.

Mr Coles, 45, whose annual salary will be at least £140,000, has been chief executive at Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust in east London for almost five years.

He said: "I recognise they have got some big concerns and there is a lot of work that needs to be done. However, when I looked at the background to the trust I could see it had an exciting future."

Spending on agency staff has already been cut after £22 million was spent on relief workers last year.

Salaries for some of the 800 staff on the trust's own nursing bank have been cut, a decision which infuriated staff.

Some administrative and support jobs may also be lost, although those affected are expected to get other jobs within the trust.

The trust is at risk of losing its single-star status when the Government's ratings are published next month.

Mr Coles said: "There may be some tough decisions to be made but I am sure we will all get through them.

"It is going to be a challenge but I am looking forward to it. It is also a nice part of the country to be moving to."

Trust chairman Glynn Jones said: "Peter has held a number of senior positions in both community and acute health care organisations and has a track record of achieving and sustaining significant service improvements."

The trust runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital, the Sussex Eye Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in Brighton.

It is also responsible for the Princess Royal Hospital and Hurstwood Park Neurosciences Centre in Haywards Heath.

The trust covers a 460,000 population, spends more than £250 million a year and employs 5,500 staff.