A sex discrimination row which put a council leader at loggerheads with her chief executive will be heard in June.

The employment tribunal case, brought by Worthing Borough Council chief executive Sheryl Grady, begins in Brighton on June 14 and is expected to last five days.

Miss Grady, said to be suffering from stress, has been on sick leave since December.

She is claiming sex discrimination against the council and its leader, Liberal Democrat councillor Sheila Player, who is mayor-elect for 2004/05.

Last week Coun Player admitted the term "Goldilocks" had been applied to Miss Grady but insisted the moniker was not meant to be offensive.

She said: "Goldilocks is a name that has been used for Sheryl. It's a nickname, not a derogatory term."

David Siegler, Miss Grady's husband, described the nickname as juvenile and sad. His wife remained "poorly" and had been referred to a consultant.

The Grady affair came to light after an investigation by The Argus.

Coun Player said she and the council would vigorously defend their positions.