An Eastbourne councillor who faces drink-driving charges has quit his post.

Bob Backhouse, 44, appeared before Eastbourne magistrates last Wednesday accused of being more than four times over the limit.

Mr Backhouse, of Beltring Road, has now resigned from his position on Eastbourne Borough Council, of which he has been a member for three years.

Mr Backhouse, chairman of the council's Tenants and Advisory Group, said he was in a state of depression and had been seeing a psychiatrist since September.

He said the pressure of dealing with council business had become intolerable.

He said the breaking point came at the weekend when he confronted an intruder who had broken into his home.

But he vowed to give his continued backing to the Conservative Party in any future General Election.

He said: "I just simply couldn't stand the pressure. Dealing with constituents' problems is very difficult at times, as well as having to deal with the workload of the committees that I sit on.

"It was a very mutual understanding between myself and the party. There is still a chance that I will come back in the near future, hopefully during the General Election."

Fellow Tories paid tribute to Mr Backhouse. Graham Marsden, leader of the Conservative group, said: "During his three years as a councillor, Bob has worked very hard on behalf of residents of the St Anthony's ward and his contribution has been greatly valued.

"The role of a councillor has considerable responsibilities and I support Bob's decision."

Mr Backhouse is due to reappear in court on March 28.