A new principal has been appointed to take charge of a college later this year.

Phil Frier will takeover as head at City College Brighton and Hove in August following the retirement of current principal Ann Smith.

Mr Frier will move from Sussex Downs College, based in Lewes and Eastbourne, where he has been executive director.

He said: "Brighton is a fast evolving world class city and I want City College to be a key part of that development in terms of the new campus accommodation, but more particularly in terms of the quality of teaching and learning available to both our young people and members of the adult community."

In February Mrs Smith announced ambitious plans for an £80 million redevelopment of the college's campuses at Pelham Street, near Brighton station, and in Wilson Avenue, Whitehawk, Brighton.

Mr Frier will oversee the implementation of the work if a bid for funding is successful. Mrs Smith has brought her retirement forward from January to August to ease the transition.

City College chairman Martin Perry said: "I am thrilled that we have secured the services of a very experienced educational leader. Phil Frier demonstrated to us that he shares our vision for the College and has the expertise, and determination to deliver a college which has a reputation for high quality teaching and learning, and be at the heart of our local education and business community."

Mr Frier was principal of Park College in Eastbourne before it merged with Sussex Downs College in 2003.

He said: "I am really looking forward to working in close partnership with the other college principals and school heads in the city, and forging effective working links with Brighton and Hove City Council and local businesses and arts groups."