Managers of one Sussex's most prestigious buildings are asking for it to be given special protection in the event of war.

Countries signed up to the 1954 Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property agree not to attack property "of great importance to the cultural heritage of every people".

The Grade-I listed Royal Pavilion in Brighton automatically has general protection, meaning it cannot be damaged or looted unless that is deemed a military necessity.

But Brighton and Hove City Council is asking the Government for enhanced protection, meaning the pavilion could only be attacked on the orders of the "highest level of command".

It would have to be deemed "cultural heritage of the greatest importance for humanity" to qualify.

Director Pauline Scott-Garrett said: "It is very unlikely that we will get it.

"This isn't because the pavilion is not significant enough but because there are thousands of buildings that are as significant and it is extremely difficult to justify why one should be included on the list and not another."

The department of culture, media and sport will decide which properties make it on to the enhanced protection list next year.