Swimmers taking part in a historic race have been told to steer clear of Brighton's two piers for the first time in more than 100 years.

The annual pier-to-pier race used to take contestants from the West Pier to the Palace Pier.

But for years, competitors have had to start on the beach by the derelict West Pier as the structure is unsafe.

And at this year's race on August 3, they have been told to head for a floating platform 30m offshore rather than finish on the Palace Pier itself.

The decision was taken after the club discovered a live band had been booked to appear on stage at the pier as swimmers were expected to land.

Brighton Swimming Club president Margaret Tuppen said it would be "inappropriate" to have people climbing out of the water while people were enjoying entertainment.

She said: "It is a shame but it was an amicable decision reached between ourselves and managers at the pier."