Worthing is rarely been mentioned in the same breath as such tropical places as Miami, Marseilles and the Bahamas.
But that may change when 18 exotic trees, costing almost £20,000, take pride of place on the seafront.
The 12ft to 14ft Cordylines, shipped in from Pistoria, Italy, will gently sway in the breeze, towering above passers-by and adding a touch of glamour when they are planted in April.
They will signal a new horizon for the town as part of the council's Greening the Borough scheme, which aims to make Worthing more visually attractive.
The trees, which can grow up to 25ft tall, are ideally suited to withstand the salt and harsh winds of the seafront.
And they don't need much looking after - although they do cost £800 to £1,000 each.
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