An East Sussex swimming teacher is challenging a council after being told she would have to retire when she turns 65.

Jill Lambard-Brown, 64, wants to continue working but has been thwarted by Eastbourne Borough Council.

Officials have told her they are following national guidance and say that staff are only retained beyond retirement age in special circumstances.

Mrs Lambard-Brown, of Downs View Lane, East Dean, near Eastbourne, has the support of colleagues at Motcombe Swimming Baths.

She has now enlisted the support of Eastbourne Conservative MP Nigel Waterson to try to overturn the decision.

He said today: "I think it's a blatant case of age discrimination. I think people who are fit and keen and are doing a good job should continue, whatever their age."

The council said there was no shortage of swimming teachers in the Eastbourne area.

A spokesman said: "The council understands that this person wants to carry on working after she has passed retirement age.

"The council follows current national guidelines on the retirement of staff and seeks to treat everyone fairly and reasonably.

"There are a few special circumstances where people with specialist skills and experience, not readily available in the working population, are employed but the council is currently adequately resourced where swimming teachers are concerned."