Firefighters are fuming over plans to expand a Brighton cinema - into their fire station.

The Duke of York's cinema wants to take over part of Preston Circus fire station. East Sussex Combined Fire Authority will discuss the issue on Thursday.

Steve Petch, representative for the Fire Brigades' Union in Brighton, said: "We are concerned these plans could affect our living accommodation and training facilities.

"We spend up to 15 hours a day in our living accommodation, so there are implications for the firefighters.

"There is no suggestion it would actually affect our operational capability but we think it would be a very short-sighted approach by the fire authority if it agrees to the plans."

The Duke of York's, which opened in 1910, is a Grade II listed building and its exterior cannot be changed.

Altering the interior also needs special permission and changes must be in keeping with the building.

Alex Stolz, spokesman for cinema company City Screens, said: "We have always been keen to expand the Duke of York's because it is very difficult to remain competitive as we are a single-screen cinema."

The plans include two extra screens for the cinema and an education screen.

Len Richards, East Sussex Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: "A report is due when East Sussex Combined Fire Authority meets on Thursday so it is difficult for me to comment until then."