A tory councillor is to be prosecuted for allegedly making homophobic remarks.

Peter Willows, 75, has been summonsed to Brighton Magistrates Court on August 11 to face public order charges.

Coun Willows, who represents Hangleton and Knoll ward on Brighton and Hove City Council, allegedly told prominent members of Brighton's gay community that he thought homosexuals were paedophiles.

He is being charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which outlaws language causing alarm, distress or harassment. If found guilty he could face a maximum jail term of up to six months or a £2,000 fine.

The councillor allegedly made the comments in May, when he was among 200 guests attending a reception hosted by the mayor at the Royal Pavilion and was apparently confronted by gay councillor Paul Elgood and James Ledward, of G-Scene magazine, about a letter he wrote to The Argus.

In the letter he had complained about the council flying the rainbow flag from its buildings to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia.

He wrote: "Why should any country have to fly a flag because of men sleeping together to have sex? And also women sleeping together to have sex? In my world that does not justify flying any flag. It's an unnatural act - men or women."

He later backtracked in a statement to The Argus, saying: "I recognise that the comments I have expressed in a recent letter to the Brighton Argus, about flying the rainbow flag on a civic building, have caused serious offence to the LGBT community and I wholeheartedly retract them and apologise for them.

"If other comments I have made at a recent civic event were taken to mean that I equate paedophiles and gay people, that was not my intention nor my belief and again I apologise.

"I believe LGBT people contribute positively to our society in Brighton and Hove and in the wider world.

"As a ward councillor, I have helped people from all walks of life irrespective of their backgrounds."

The Conservative group on the city council has suspended Coun Willows from committees pending the outcome of the case.

Police said Coun Willows was not obliged to attend the hearing on August 11 and can send a solicitor to enter a plea on his behalf.

Coun Elgood and Mr Ledward said they could not comment because they were likely to be called as witnesses in any court case. Coun Willows declined to comment.

Brian Oxley, leader of the Conservative group, said: "We've heard about this development only today and after initial discussions with Coun Willows, the leadership team will be discussing the issue over the weekend. We shall then issue a further statement."