Dozens of service across Sussex were today being held to mark the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

One of the largest was at The Friary Hall in Haslett Avenue West, Crawley, where an altar was dedicated to the late Pontiff.

Many of the town's substantial Polish community attended a morning service and there will be another at 8pm.

A church spokeswoman said: "It is absolutely packed out, with more than 300 people."

In Brighton, Mass was held at St John the Baptist Church in Bristol Road, Kemp Town, from 8am.

People also turned out at St Mary's Hall in Surrenden Road this morning while last night a vigil Mass was held at St Joseph's, in Elm Grove.

Tonight, Mass with the Polish community will take place at St Mary Magdalene in Upper North Street.

In Hove, services have taken place all week at St Peter's, with a vigil last night.

Dozens of people were expected at a requiem mass at Sacred Heart in Norton Road from 7pm.

In Eastbourne, a requiem mass took place at noon at Our Lady of Ransom Church in Grange Road.

In Lewes there is an evening Mass at St Pancreas Church in Ireland Lane from 8pm.

In Worthing, prayers were said and candles lit from 10am at St Mary of the Angels in Richmond Road.

At Arundel Cathedral - seat of the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton - mass was taking place at 8pm.