A large section of Brighton was gridlocked today, frustrating hundreds of shoppers and commuters, after a key set of traffic lights failed.

The lights at the junction of Lewes Road and Ditchling Road failed last night and contractors were thwarted in their repair attempts by the wet weather.

Police officers directed traffic by hand but some drivers were delayed more than an hour.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: "The lights went out of action at about 9pm last night.

"We put signs up warning motorists and the police are down there signalling traffic.

"Our contractors are there and are trying to correct the fault as soon as possible. They are trying to fix it between showers."

She said the contractors were taking away the circuit boards to dry them out and hoped the lights would be working again this afternoon.