The future of a countryside watchdog has been secured with the help of a huge grant from tax payers.

Both councils in East and West Sussex along with the Countryside Agency have pledged to fund the South Downs Conservation Board for at least another three years.

The board will receive a grant totalling nearly £1.4 million to continue to keep a watchful eye on the future of the Downs ending speculation that the body might have to disband because of a lack of money.

In August, West Sussex County Council leader Graham Forshaw stalled on making a decision because the authority he leads is bitterly opposed to the South Downs becoming a National Park.

But the council relented and has once again given £400,000 to the board.

East Sussex County Council will contribute £250,000 while Brighton and Hove Council will give £70,000.

The individual authorities pledged the sum for the next three years with the proviso to review the amount each year.

David Thompson, a Countryside Agency officer, said it would continue to support the board until the new National Park was created.

He said: "We will support the board until 2004 or if necessary, 2006, when the new body would be formed."

Board chairman Lord Renton said: "It is a very good outcome. It means our immediate future is safe." were currently being worked out.

Early next year, members of the public will have three months to put forward their views on what boundaries there should be for the South Downs National Park It is hoped the Downs will become a National Park by the end of 2003.