First-class carriages in Sussex will disappear within two years when new trains replace old rolling stock.

It could herald the return of a Brighton Belle-style service, which was popular until the late Sixties.

Then, attendants in certain carriages gave light meals to passengers who had paid a supplement.

The new Electrostar trains, with their bright new interiors and sophisticated electronic equipment, including concealed CCTV, are being manufactured in Derby with no separate first-class compartments.

Train operators South Central and Connex are deciding how they will provide a premium service travel when the trains, which have a uniform style of seating, come into service.

One possibility would be to set aside part of the trains for an upgrade service, which would include coffee, snacks and newspapers in a managed area.

Each passenger paying a premium fare would be guaranteed a seat - even at the height of rush hour.

By the end of 2004, Electrostar trains will make up the entire fleet of trains operated by South Central, which runs the Brighton line and services out of Victoria to the Sussex coast.

Most of the Connex trains which operate to Hastings out of Charing Cross will be of a similar design.

South Central has already abandoned separate first-class compartments on some routes along the coast.

The premium-style alternative has been proposed by managing director of South Central David Franks.

Mr Franks, a former station manager at Brighton who commutes to his Blackfriars headquarters, is trying to maximise the potential of the new stock.