The future of Worthing Seafront Festival, which brings thousands of visitors to the town, seems assured.

Worthing Borough Council has joined forces with the Worthing Lions Club to organise next year's event.

The festival was almost scrapped this year after organisers pulled out but the council launched a rescue bid and managed to stage a smaller event.

However, the authority did not want to organise the festival full-time and now the Lions will take on the brunt of the work.

Councillor Maurice Tucker, executive member for leisure and cultural services, said: "I'm delighted the Lions have agreed to help the council to secure the future of this fantastic event.

"The festival has for many years been the main summer event in the town's diary and I hope, under this new arrangement, this will continue for many years to come."

Steve Davis, vice-president of the Lions, said: "In becoming involved with this well established and very popular event, the club has every intention of continuing the success which it has enjoyed for many years."

The Lions will run the event for a year on a trial basis and it if is a success this can be extended to five years.