Sussex Police have announced one of the biggest boosts in manpower for Brighton.

More than £400,000 is being added to the division's £11 million budget to pay for an extra 22 front-line officers and support staff.

Superintendent Andy Bliss, who commands Brighton's 300-strong officers, said the increase will make a real difference.

He said: "One of our top priorities is tackling violent crime, particularly on the streets, and this will help us achieve that. I am really pleased."

From July 1 there will be ten extra police officers on patrol in Brighton; an additional three detective constables in CID investigations; four new investigative support assistants who prepare case files for court, four new inquiry officers who process less-urgent queries from thepublic and an additional driver orderly.

Brighton's performance plan for the year 2001-2002 will be launched at the beginning of April with the focus on reducing the levels of violent crime, reassurance work to address the fear of crime and the continuation of the Safer Streets Initiative, which tackles begging, street-drinking, street-dealing and graffiti.

Brighton is one of the few areas in Sussex to receive extra funding. The largest boost, nearly £1 million, went to Senlac Division which covers Hastings and Bexhill.

It will mean the force's share of the tax for an average Band D property going up from £55.53 to £59.13 for 2001-2002.