Poice have uncovered one of the biggest cannabis-growing factories in Sussex.

More than 600 plants were found growing in a sophisticated operation inside an industrial unit.

Automated lights plus feeding and watering systems were being used to grow the plants.

The factory was uncovered on Tuesday during a drugs raid on a unit on the Conqueror Industrial Estate, Castleham, St Leonards.

Officers, supported by other departments, executed a search warrant at 10.45am at the address and arrested one man, aged 40.

A woman was also later arrested at an address in Hastings.

Both have been interviewed and released on police bail.

The police action followed an operation in Bexhill on Monday, when 250 plants were seized at an address in Dorset Road South.

Two people were arrested in connection with that find.

Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, district police commander, said: "This was a substantial find and demonstrates our commitment to the fight against drugs."

The discovery is the latest in a string of police operations which have shut down cannabis-producing factories in Sussex.

In January, 250 plants were found in industrial units in Elmer, Bognor, and 21 plants were uncovered later in Stroud Green, Bognor.

Five people were arrested.

In February, hundreds of plants were found growing in a flat above a shop in Western Road, Hove.

Two people were arrested.

Earlier this month, police discovered two rooms filled with plants in a building in Mill Road, Worthing.

Inspector Dick Myhill said officers were finding increasing numbers of cannabis factories.

Last year, cannabis plants were found at an address in Southdown Avenue, Brighton, and it was estimated that £30,000 of the drug had been produced in a year.

The prosecution was later dropped in court when police lost the accused's files.