Troublemakers could find themselves banned from more than 50 Mid Sussex pubs for life.

Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath Pubwatch schemes have been running since 1997 but have decided to join forces to further reduce drunkenness and other offences.

The intention is to ban individuals from all participating pubs if they cause a disturbance, assault or abuse staff or customers, commit damage or use or supply drugs.

There are 52 pubs in the area involved in the scheme. Since it began, 62 bans have been given out. The bans usually run for two years.

Sergeant Chris Ball said: "Joining forces will add another tool to deter offences from occurring.

"It is a warning if you cause trouble in the pubs then you could face a lifetime ban."

Haywards Heath Pubwatch chairman Gerry Ryan said: "Pubwatch makes people intent on antisocial behaviour think before they act."