A blitz is being launched on town centre graffiti in Shoreham, Southwick and Lancing.

Police, council and business bosses launch a week-long clean-up on March 31.

The council has pledged to clean graffiti from its own buildings and is calling on businesses to do the same.

Residents can claim up to £25 towards the cost of cleaning graffiti off their homes.

Council chief executive Ian Lowrie said: "We are under no illusion about how difficult it will be to rid the district of graffiti.

"This campaign is about showing the thoughtless minority that we will not tolerate it, and will do what we can to stop it.

"A firm approach to enforcement and regularly removing graffiti from our town centres is the best deterrent."

Inspector Chris Drew of Shoreham police is continuing a crackdown on graffiti vandals.

A number of known offenders have been caught after surveillance operations.

Mr Drew said: "The more residents and businesses who join us, the better chance it has of making a lasting impact.

"Most young people are honest, law-abiding citizens who are proud of their neighbourhoods.

"We are asking them, if they know who is responsible for graffiti to tell the police."

The council has launched a graffiti hotline on 01273 263040.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.