While most tourists visiting Brighton and Hove will take in the beach, Palace Pier and The Lanes, some are opting for a more original destination.

The city's sewers date back to the 19th Century and tours down to the depths are proving remarkably popular.

Groups of up to 25 people are taken 40ft below the surface where they can explore the brick-built sewers, which handle 100 million litres of sewage every day. Lighting and safety equipment are provided and tourists are issued with rubber gloves.

Southern Water's regional sewerage manager, Karl Taylor, said: "Every year the sewers attract visitors from far and wide and the tours are booking up quickly again this year.

"It offers the public a chance to see what goes on every day beneath their feet."

The tour starts near the Palace Pier and finishes at a manhole cover near Old Steine Gardens.

Places cost £7 for adults and £3.50 for children aged 11 and above. Call 0845 2780845.