VISITORS were evacuated from a popular aquarium when smoke was discovered.

Two fire engines responded to an incident at the Sea Life Centre in Brighton at about 11.10am this morning.

Max Leviston, who manages the aquarium in Marine Parade, said he had called the fire service when a pump began to malfunction.

He said: "A small pump seized up and let out some smoke. We called the emergency services as a precaution."

Visitors are now allowed back into the aquarium.

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "Two appliances were sent to a false alarm at the Sea Life centre in Brighton at 11.08 and left at 11.20, after investigating. No action was required."