Multi-million pound plans to build a futuristic monorail system along Brighton seafront have taken a key step forward.

Parkridge Developments Ltd, owner of the commercial side of Brighton Marina, has agreed to pay for a feasibility study for the Brighton Monorail Project.

The study, expected to start in three weeks, will concentrate on Phase One of the proposed system between the marina and Palace Pier.

David Courtney, the man behind the project, eventually hopes the system will run as far as Shoreham Harbour.

Mr Courtney is managing director of the newly-formed Brighton Monorail Company Ltd, set up to oversee the project.

Derby based business, engineering and technology consultants Interfleet Technology will carry out the study into the proposed system, which would be called the Brighton Bullet.

The consultants have been responsible for monorails in Sydney, Newark Airport in the USA and Birmingham, as well as Sheffield's Supertram. They are currently consulting on the proposed Singapore Mass Transit Railway and the Manchester Metro Link.

Mr Courtney said: "I am thrilled that Parkridge Developments has agreed to fund the initial study, which will certainly get the ball rolling.

"It is my dream and goal to see the first monorail transit system in the UK established and operating in the city."

Funding for the project itself would come from the private sector, backed by public sector grants.

Profits from the scheme could be used to help maintain the Victorian Volk's railway.