Two Brighton and Hove taxi companies are to merge, they announced today.

Portland Cabs, of Hove, and Yellow Cabs, based at Pool Valley coach station in Brighton, are to form a single company.

Portland Cabs boss Tony Roberts said: "We feel this is a very positive move for us. Traditionally we have been seen as a Hove-based company.

"This merger will enable us to serve our existing customers but with the added benefit of more cars coupled to a new office in the city centre."

The news was announced on the first birthday of Yellow Cabs, formed to provide a pre-paid, pre-booked link between the coach station and homes.

Company director Robert Young said the merger would allow the new firm to operate a fresh service from March 1 in conjunction with Airlinks, which runs the Jetlink airport coach service.

Studentlink, aimed primary at language schools and students, will offer a meet and greet service from airports to Pool Valley and on to temporary homes.