Sovereign Harbour is investing in a £250,000 expansion programme to satisfy demand from out-of-town boat owners.

Bosses at the harbour in Eastbourne have had an unprecedented number of inquiries from boat owners wanting to berth there.

To deal with the interest they are building more than 150 extra berths, bringing the total number to 650.

Marina operations manager Dan Hughes said the demand had been triggered by owners from London wanting to get away from over-used areas.

He said: "Owners have told us they feel areas such as the Solent are becoming more expensive and over-run with leisure craft.

"As a result, they are happy to travel further east in order to benefit from the uncluttered cruising grounds."