They may be too fuddy-duddy for Blackpool but Brighton and Hove still loves them.

Deckchairs are an essential part of any day out at the seaside.

People rallied to defend the great British tradition after tourism officials in Blackpool caused uproar by saying deckchairs should be scrapped.

Lynn Cole, chairwoman of the Blackpool Tourism Forum, wants to replace the resort's "cloth cap image" with a more modern one.

Mrs Cole said: "I did say it would be nice to have a more continental image on the promenade and it has caused quite a stir.

"The deckchairs should be moved off the beach to the piers and replaced with something more modern, like plastic sunloungers."

Deckchairs have been available for hire on Brighton beach since the early Twenties and are as much part of the beach scene as the two piers.

Adam Bates, head of tourism at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "People expect to see deckchairs when they come to Brighton. They are one of the things that epitomises the city, like the piers and Brighton rock.

"People love them and we would not consider getting rid of them."

Steve Smith, who has run his deckchair business in Brighton since 1989, said thousands of people of all ages loved to sit on a chair on the beach.

He admitted deckchairs were not as popular as they once were but it would not be the same without them.

Steve, 38, said: "It's a declining trade but there will always be a market for deckchairs.

"It has to be really hot for people to leave the bars and sit on the beach and although I keep my prices low, there is always someone who thinks £1.50 is too much."

In the Eighties Steve had about 5,000 chairs but these days a couple of thousand are enough to meet demand, except on very busy days.

He buys his deckchairs for £25 each from a maker in Southsea and puts them out from Easter to October.

David Bramwell, author of the Cheeky Guide to Brighton, said: "When I finish painting my conservatory the first thing I will do is go out and buy two deckchairs so I can have my own little bit of Brighton beach.

"Deckchairs are fantastic and they are a wonderful epitome of Brighton's cheekiness."

Sandra Weedon, 55, from Farnborough, was yesterday enjoying the sunshine from the comfort of her deckchair near the Palace pier.

She said: "I don't think anybody could take them all away. Brighton isn't sandy so it's not that comfortable and older people will always use them."

Sandra's daughter Lisa Caudwell, 31, was with her son Alfie, four.

She said: "Deckchairs are part of British summertime."

Councillor Sue John, tourism spokeswoman for the city, said: "We have no plans to get rid of our deckchairs. People like the traditional seaside look."

Blackpool Borough Council insisted its deckchairs were staying.

A spokesman said: "We are proud of the tradition and heritage of the deckchairs."