Liberal Democrats have welcomed the defection of former Euro MP Brendan Donnelly to their party.

Mr Donnelly represented South Sussex and Crawley for the Tories for five years, from 1994.

But he resigned before the last election because he did not agree with William Hague's policy of ruling out joining the single currency.

Mr Donnelly and another former Euro MP, John Stevens, formed the Pro-European Conservatives but have now switched to the Lib Dems.

Party leader Charles Kennedy said: "I look forward to more former Conservatives following their excellent lead."

Councillor Paul Elgood, leader of the Lib Dems on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "I always thought Brendan Donnelly was a good Euro MP.

"He had a progressive stance on Europe and was hard working."