Tea dancers have tripped up in their last-ditch bid to stop a controversial switch of venue.

More than 300 dancers from all over the South-East signed a petition calling on Worthing Borough Council not to move the dances from the Pavilion Theatre to the Assembly Hall.

The move had sparked a storm of protest from people, many of them elderly, who preferred the intimate seaside atmosphere of the Pavilion.

Councillor John Livermore said a move would be "tragic" because many dancers, especially those who arrived on coaches which stopped on the seafront, would not walk to the Assembly Hall.

He told a council meeting last night it was essential the council ensured dancing was not only encouraged in Worthing but flourished.

Coun Livermore said people from Brighton, Steyning, Littlehampton, Burgess Hill, Eastbourne, Newhaven, Dorking and Guildford had signed the petition.

It said residents and visitors to Worthing "are upset and disappointed at the decision of Worthing Borough Council to scale down the tea dancing at the Pavilion together with the evening special event dancing, and move it to the Assembly Hall.

"Tea dancing at the Pavilion, the jewel in the crown of Worthing's amenities, is well known in Worthing and to the many visitors and coach parties who, after enjoying the seafront activities, look forward to participating in an afternoon and evening of social dancing in the inviting atmosphere and ambience of the Pavilion Theatre.

"The ballroom, Latin and sequence music appeals to all ages. We implore the council to establish a policy which dictates that the tea dancing and evening dancing will remain at the Pavilion on an established and regular basis throughout the spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons.

"This long-time established tradition and venue, which has brought much pleasure for many years, will continue to give Worthing its unique attraction."

But Councillor Maurice Tucker, chairman of leisure and cultural services, said only some of the dancing was being moved to the Assembly Hall, allowing the Pavilion to stage other types of entertainment.