Two coastal defence schemes in Sussex are to get a total of £13 million in Government grant aid, floods minister Elliot Morley announced today.

The schemes in Shoreham and Brighton will strengthen and improve present defences. The total cost of the works, due to start in the autumn, will be about £22 million.

More than 1,400 homes and businesses will be protected by the new Shoreham scheme which will involve building 33 breakwaters and raising and widening the existing beach crest.

Work will also be carried out to protect the Brighton frontage from the marina to Ovingdean.

Mr Morley said: "These important schemes will protect many homes, businesses and conservation sites from coastal erosion and tidal breaches."