A major marketing drive is being launched to encourage tourists from Ireland to visit Sussex.

Television and radio adverts featuring Brighton and Hove are part of a campaign being co-ordinated by the British Tourist Authority in Dublin.

The project is part of a multi-million pound global promotion called Come To Britain.

The Irish market is seen as key to replacing overseas visitors lost after last year's terror attacks on the United States.

In addition to broadcast adverts, 250,000 leaflets about Brighton and Hove have been placed in the two main Irish daily newspapers.

Private and business visitors have been targeted with a direct mail campaign.

Irish airline Aer Lingus is also participating by holding a special offer for Irish residents to travel to Brighton and Hove via Gatwick.

Discounts are being offered by many city hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Melanie Sensicle, tourism marketing manager for the city, said: "It seems the campaign is working.

"We have had reports from hoteliers that they are getting inquiries and bookings from Ireland they were not getting before."