Campaigners have lost their fight to save a Mid Sussex pub from the bulldozers.

The Sussex in Haywards Heath has served customers since 1860 and become a landmark in the town.

But developers Devine Homes have won their battle to build 21 flats, shops and a restaurant on the site.

Mid Sussex District Council agreed to the plans provided Devine Homes contributes towards the town's education, library and leisure facilities.

The Victorian pub has sash windows, an inner atrium and a low-pitched, slate roof and has been praised by architectural advisors. But successive brewers failed to invest in the building, in Sussex Road, and it has slowly became an eyesore.

Campaigners wanted the pub to be left alone and last year launched a Save Our Sussex campaign.

Alan Golds, of Beech Hill, Haywards Heath, collected almost 200 signatures objecting to the proposals.

He said: "It is one of the few remaining Victorian buildings in Haywards Heath which is serving its original function. It was about the only place left where you could hear live music, apart from Clair Hall.

"Now they are going to build another bland blob with yet more shops underneath.

"Look around South Road and you will see it is dying. There's a unit that has been left empty for months. So does the town need more shops?"

Haywards Heath Town Council supported the application, but admitted it will be a shame to see the building bulldozed.

Clerk Carol Preston said: "A lot of people have very fond memories of The Sussex and a lot of couples have met there.

"It means the town centre will lose another pub, but the place has become very run down over the years and we have agreed to the application provided the developer builds a restaurant in its place."

The Haywards Heath Society said it would be sad to see the historic building knocked down but accepted the application provided new licensed premises were built in its place.