Two police officers whose routine search of a driver led to the seizure of a large haul of suspected drugs are to be honoured.

The tenacity of community PCs Ginny Jupp, 45, and Bill Simons, 48, led to the arrest of three other people at five properties in Eastbourne and Hailsham.

Suspected drugs with a possible street value of £1,000 were seized at the properties along with a CS spray cannister.

Four people have been bailed while forensic experts examine the substances but police chiefs believe the PCs stopped a large amount of drugs hitting Eastbourne's streets.

Eastbourne-based PCs Jupp and Simons are among 20 police officers and traffic wardens to receive divisional congratulations for their efforts.

Sergeant Robin Barrasford, of the Eastbourne Community Problem Solving Team, said: "This has the potential to become a large drugs haul, detected only by the officers proactive way of dealing with something which on first sight was a routine matter.

"Notwithstanding the result of the forensic examination, their efforts are to be commended as a fine example of intelligence-led policing which commands results."

Certificates will be handed out at a ceremony in the summer by Superintendent Paul Pearce, who joined as East Downs Commander in February.

He said: "Since starting on the division at the start of February, I have been acutely aware of the phenomenal efforts of my staff in tackling crime and disorder in our neighbourhoods.

"Many go well beyond the call of duty in order to serve the people of this division. I am immensely proud to be their divisional commander."