A controversial plan to open an educational farm for schoolchildren has been rejected.

The decision follows a public inquiry into proposals for a site at Eartham, between Chichester and Arundel, put forward by a company called Crocodile Productions.

The company originally predicted the farm, with a picnic and play area, could attract 120,000 visitors a year.

It then put forward a revised plan aimed at capping numbers to 20,000 after fears about the amount of traffic it would generate.

But the company's planning application was turned down by Chichester District Council and now an appeal to the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions has failed.

David Richards, the inspector in charge of the inquiry, has cast doubts on Crocodile's ability to run a booking system.

His report says: "I consider there would be severe operational problems in running the business on this basis."

Crocodile said the farm would create 19 jobs and provide a base where children could learn about rural issues in a fun way.