A developer wants to sink a warship off the Sussex coast to create a haven for marine life and divers.

Tony Fowler says he has received support from councillors and MPs for the project, which he said could turn Peacehaven into the number one diving centre in Europe.

The ambitious project would see a decommissioned Type 42 Destroyer sunk to a depth of 100ft about five miles from land.

The plans have grown since the project was first conceived in 2007.

Originally a smaller ship was going to be sunk off the coast of Seaford but the site was moved to Peacehaven as interest grew.

Mr Fowler, who founded the organisation Sink One 4 Sussex, said the entire project would cost up to £3 million and could be finished within three years.

New diving infrastructure would be built on land and Mr Fowler said he thought up to 300 boats would ferry divers to and from the site.

The idea was taken from a similar project in Plymouth where HMS Scylla was sunk.

The former hotelier and developer said the wreck would act as an artificial reef and encourage marine life, as well as provide a massive boost for the local economy.