A right royal row has erupted over the renaming of a seafront haven in Worthing.

Plans were unveiled to change the name of Selden Lawns, East Worthing, to Windsor Lawns to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

But the proposal sparked criticism from conservation watchdogs the Worthing Society, which said Selden was an historic name locally.

The lawns were named after John Selden, a famous lawyer who lived at Salvington in Worthing.

But Worthing Borough Council, backed by the town's hospitality association, prefers a change to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.

Sue Murray, chairman of the association, said the area had never been officially named Selden Lawns.

She said the new name would improve the image of East Worthing and suggested the electoral ward of Selden could also be changed to Windsor.

Mrs Murray presented 15 letters and a petition signed by 18 people to Councillor Tim Dice, spokesman for leisure.

She hopes once the area is rechristened, improvements will be carried out, including the planting of palm trees, better flower beds and a plaque.

Mrs Murray said: "As we have Windsor Road joining Brighton Road, just where these lawns begin, I think it would be more apt to call them Windsor Lawns."

But the Worthing Society has submitted more than 12 protest letters in a bid to scupper the scheme.

A spokesman said: "Selden is a historically important name locally and should be preserved."