Trees and flowers will mark a route more than a mile long linking Brighton and Hove.

City council leader Ken Bodfish has launched the Green Ribbon Route aimed at creating a leafy boulevard which will mark out the city's main shopping street.

The first phase will run from the Clock Tower in Brighton to George Street in Hove.

There will be 35 planters containing bay trees which will be supplemented by window boxes, barrier troughs and floral displays. Work will take place during the summer.

Councillor Bodfish said: "The Green Ribbon is only the beginning. The plan is to first improve the quality of the city centre and then other neighbourhood shopping areas."

Brian Fitch, Cabinet councillor and member of the City in Bloom group, said: "It is a great idea to brighten up the centre for businesses, visitors and residents."

The route has been funded by a £50,000 contribution from Ecovert South, the company which maintains some of the city's parks and gardens.

Gold and black planters bearing the city's logo will be installed, including water reservoirs to reduce maintenance costs.