Two cars were set on fire inside an old bakery just a week before a date was due to be set for its demolition.

Firefighters were called to the former Sunblest bakery in Bexhill Road, Woodingdean, after the vehicles and a quantity of old tyres were set alight.

Six weeks ago, developer St Modwen obtained planning permission to build on part of the derelict site, which it owns.

Woodingdean councillor Dee Simson said the developer contacted her this week to say arrangements for the demolition of the building were due to be finalised next week.

She said: "The sooner the better. We've got to get this building down - it's just a breeding ground for vandalism.

"It has become a dumping ground for cars.

"There have been so many fires there I think the fire brigade have started using it as a practice ground."