A council is putting historic civic antiques up for auction saying they do not belong in a modern office.

Adur District Council is putting six pieces of furniture under the hammer after officers deemed them too large for the civic centre in Shoreham.

Money raised from the sale, which includes the former council chamber table, will be used to buy modern desks and chairs.

But some councillors are furious the decision was taken by an officer and accused the authority of selling the family silver.

Peter Berry, a Southwick ward Labour councillor, said: "I'm extremely alarmed because neither I nor any other councillors I am aware of knew about it.

"It certainly has not been before any of the committees for discussion.

"Officers can use delegated powers to make decisions involving finances up to a certain amount.

"But I'm unhappy they are using those powers to sell off the family silver in this way."

"These are pieces of civic history. The large table was the one around which council meetings were held at Shoreham.

The items, described as "attractive" by a council spokesman, also include a large Arts and Crafts book case, a George V oak writing table and a Victorian bookcase.

They were moved to the civic centre after the merger of Shoreham and Southwick Urban District Councils into Adur District Council in 1974.

Their exact age and provenance have been lost in the mists of time and it is not known how much they originally cost.

A council spokesman said: "These are extremely large pieces of furniture which were taking up an awful lot of room.

"Quite simply, we need the space and we also need some more modern office furniture.

"It was felt selling them would give us more room and help pay for the new items.

"We're not quite sure who made the decision and I don't believe it has gone to a committee for approval.

"The person we think made the decision under delegated powers is away on holiday at the moment so we can't check with him."

Conservative council leader Neil Parkin said: "Although it's sad to see these things go we have to move forward. It will be good to think of them having another life after Adur. If furniture could speak, I bet these pieces could tell us some interesting stories."

The furniture will be auctioned by Rupert Toovey of Washington, near Worthing, on August 15.

Reserve prices have been put on the lots, which are expected to raise at least £2,000.