A historic car registration plate has been presented to a museum for display.

The distinctive H2 OVE plate, which once graced the mayor's luxury limo, is now an exhibit at Hove Museum and Art Gallery.

It was a familiar sight around Brighton and Hove when it adorned a Ford Grosvenor used to chauffeur former mayor Jenny Barnard-Langston to important functions.

It was replaced by a Volvo with the number plate CD1.

The H2 OVE registration number was among artefacts donated to Brighton and Hove's museums which also included 18 blocks and dies describing the borough coat of arms, Hove Police Commissioners and Portslade coat of arms and one commemorative coin celebrating the coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandria in 1902.

Sue John, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "I am thrilled to receive these items on behalf of Brighton and Hove's collections.

"The Hove coat of arms makes reference to Hove's patron saint St Andrew and St Leonard, who was patron saint of Aldrington, as well as William de Warenne, who accompanied William the Conqueror during the Battle of Hastings. A fascinating insight into Hove's rich history."

H2 0VE was purchased in 1991.

When Hove and Brighton merged to become a unitary council in 1997 the car and the registration continued to be used for mayoral duties.

In 2002, both Hove and Brighton's mayoral cars were disposed of when the new council leased a people-carrier as part of an efficiency drive.