Work has started on a £5.7 million scheme to improve the quality of drinking water.

Southern Water is building a nitrate removal plant to treat water taken from bore holes at the Goldstone works in Hove.

The company is also laying pipes to blend water at Mile Oak supply works in Southwick.

Levels of nitrate in water have risen during the past five years because of nitrogen-based fertilisers but remain within government guidelines.

The work will ensure nitrate levels are reduced and improve the chlorine disinfectant system, which kills waterborne bacteria.

The new plant is due to come into operation by Easter next year and will be screened by trees.

Business manager Wayne Middleton said: "We are delighted to be making these additions.

"The work will ensure exceptional levels of drinking water quality for future generations."