Neighbours cracked open the bubbly to celebrate the demolition of a disused Worthing night club.

They say they are thrilled that bulldozers have finally moved in to destroy the Carioca in Eriswell Road and feel they have proved ordinary people have the power to make a difference.

At one time there were plans to reopen the club, a move residents thought would lead to a rise in late-night noise and vandalism. They mounted a protest campaign.

The area will now be redeveloped into a five-storey building with 16 flats and shops on the ground floor.

In its heyday, the Carioca played host to acts including US rock band REM.

Leo Sayer, who was a Worthing Art College student, performed at the club which was then called the Mexican Hat. At one time it was also known as the Golden Key Club.

Nick Young, of Eriswell Road, led the campaign to rid his neighbourhood of the old club. Since it closed five years ago it had become a target for fly posting, graffiti, vandalism and squatting.

He said: "We are glad to be rid of the building. The fact that anyone could even contemplate allowing a night club big enough for 700 people in the centre of a community beggars belief.

"We are coming to the end of a chapter. We have proved people power really does work if you persist, however many times you are told you will not succeed."

Freda White, 81, who has lived in Eriswell Road for 35 years, said: "I am happy the Carioca will be knocked down.

"It has been an eyesore since it was all boarded up and when the club was open the noise was dreadful."