A private operator has offered to take over a visitor information centre to save it from closure.

Brighton and Hove Council said late last year it would close the centre at Hove Town Hall to save money.

Howard Trevette, whose company runs Pool Valley coach station in Brighton, said today he had made an offer to the council which was being considered.

He said: "I would be happy to run it as a National Express office and also offer tourist information."

Mr Trevette said he would make the office more welcoming and noticeable because many people were unaware of it.

The council had claimed the centre was threatened because it was not widely used, but Tory councillor Brian Oxley told a council meeting many people took advantage of the service and were concerned about it closing.

A survey revealed most people using it were residents rather than tourists. They generally asked for travel information and bus tickets.

The centre will be replaced by a 24-hour electronic visitor information point, a free phone link to the tourist call centre and displays at public buildings.

The council was already looking for another outlet in Hove town centre to deal with bus and coach queries.