The remains of Aboriginal Australians held at a Sussex museum for almost a century are to be returned to their homeland.

Brighton and Hove City Council is expected to hand back two skulls and two thigh bones from the Booth Museum of Natural History in Dyke Road, Brighton.

The move follows a request from the Australian Government in June 2005.

Brett Galt-Smith, executive programme officer for the Australian Office of Indigenous Policy Co-ordination, visited Brighton as part of an assessment of indigenous Australian remains in Britain’s museums.

But the council’s response was delayed while national guidelines were drawn up.

Research on the four specimens began this year and a detailed scientific analysis, paid for by the Australian High Commission, was carried out by the Museum of London.

This confirmed that the two skulls were of Australian Aboriginal ancestry.

Further tests are to be carried out on a water vessel made from a skull that could also be of Aboriginal origin.

Councillor David Smith, council cabinet member for culture, said: “The two skulls and two thigh bones at the Booth Museum of Natural History were donated almost 100 years ago.

“Aboriginal remains found their way into several UK museums in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Natural History Museum in London.

“In the 21st century we understand more about the cultural, religious and social significance of these remains to the Aboriginal people and in certain circumstances the right thing to do is return them to their homeland.

“We have a clear policy and follow national guidelines for looking after, researching and assessing requests for the return of such items.”