A smartphone app which matches people with odd jobs in their area has launched in Brighton.

Airtasker is a new way for anyone who needs extra cash to find casual work using their mobile phone.

It also helps people who need a hedge trimming or some shelves putting up to find a reliable person for the job.

The team behind Airtasker describe it as the “evolution of your local noticeboard”.

Handymen, cleaners and gardeners have been in high demand since the app launched in London in March.

But there are plenty of more unusual jobs advertised on the service, including vegan food tasters, adventure planners and vintage shopping assistants.

The app first launched in Sydney, Australia, six years ago. Now, six months after coming to the UK, the company wants to expand – starting in Brighton.

Managing director Lucas London said: “In London we have someone who is currently looking for their biological father and we also have people paying taskers to queue for the new iPhone.

“Who knows what we might get in Brighton?”

Research by the firm shows that people in Brighton spend an average of 8.6 days a year doing household chores.

Mr London said: “A lot of people working in London live in Brighton and therefore have little spare time to do chores down to the commuting.

“So we thought it was a great place to launch our app, to assist those that need extra help with tasks such as doing laundry, fixing furniture or trimming the hedge.”

Workers and employers can leave each other reviews on the app, helping people to chose the right person for the job, he said.

The Airtasker decided to launch in Brighton after seeing the the success of businesses such as Deliveroo, Uber and Airbnb in the city.

Mr London said: “Airbnb seems to have more reviews in Brighton than in Manchester which made us feel the community is incredibly active and involved.

“London has been a real success and we identify Brighton as a great market to launch in given it is progressive and has a very capable demographic.”