Concern has been voiced over the cost of welcoming a new warship to a Sussex port next year.

HMS Shoreham, a new minehunter, is visiting Shoreham next July for a commissioning ceremony.

But some members of Adur District Council wondered whether paying for hospitality for civic guests was incongruous at a time when the council was looking for savings and planning increased charges for services.

Others argued that it was an honour to host the ceremony and called for sponsorship to be sought for the event.

HMS Shoreham was the 12th and last of the Sandown class of minehunters to be commissioned by the Royal Navy.

The vessel will be visiting Shoreham on July 20.