Linda Lickorish's neighbours have been living in darkness with giant conifers casting shadows over their houses.

For years, Mrs Lickorish has been pleading with Worthing Borough Council to let her chop the 11 trees, which tower more than 50ft above residents in three neighbouring houses, and allow natural sunlight to shine through.

But her plans have always been refused.

Now, in a landmark case, councillors have gone against their officers' recommendations and overturned preservation orders to allow her to axe the trees.

Council officers had claimed the loss of the trees would be detrimental to the character and look of the local area.

But councillors listened to the problems the trees were causing and agreed they should be felled. They ordered that the conifers be replaced with suitable mature trees.

Now Mrs Lickorish, of First Avenue, Worthing, is getting estimates to chop down the conifers. Her neighbours have even offered to chip in and help with the cost, which could be up to £2,000.

But it will be some weeks before they are finally felled.

Residents of First Avenue and Fifth Avenue are now looking forward to seeing the sunshine again and being able to chat over the garden fence.

Mrs Lickorish, 46, said: "The poor neighbours have been complaining for years.

"They have to turn their lights on in winter during the day to be able to see but there has been nothing I have been able to do about it.

"It is apparently very unusual to get these orders overturned and because the officers had recommended to turn the planning application down we weren't expecting it to be successful.

"We were all surprised and pleased with the decision.

"It will be quite a difficult job as the trees are only about 10ft from the house but we are all looking forward to them going."