A major initiative has been launched to shape the future of Worthing over the next decade.

People from 100 organisations including councils, businesses, schools and voluntary organisations packed East Worthing Community Centre last night.

It was the first meeting of the town's Local Strategic Partnership, called Worthing Together, which will be officially launched in March.

The Government-backed initiative will look at how services are provided by different organisations in Worthing in the next ten years.

Councillor Andrew Garrett, executive member for community development at Worthing Council, said: "This was the most important meeting Worthing has held in years. The number of people who turned up from all parts of the community was fantastic.

"They were the real movers and shakers and those who are involved in the everyday running of the town. This is something which has never happened before in Worthing."

Representatives split up into groups and talked about how to make the town a better place for people to live and work.

Mr Garrett said: "We want local people to have a voice and know how their services are provided.."

Chairing the meeting was Worthing College principal John Robinson.

Speakers included the town's chief executive, Sheryl Grady, head of community planning at West Sussex County Council Malcolm Bray and head of strategy at Arun District Council Jacqui Ball.

The next stage will be drawing up a community plan which will be available to all members of the community for comment.