Photographs of topless sunbathers enjoying a summer's day on the beach are being posted on a web site for voyeurs.

During the past two weeks a series of pictures of women on Hove beach have been placed on the site.

The free shots have been entered into, but have not won, a competition with cash prizes. Visitors to the site vote for the photos they like best.

Councillor Betty Walshe, who represents Vallance ward on Hove seafront, said she was concerned people had not been asked for permission for their photographs to be taken or published.

She said: "I think it isn't right for people to have photographs taken like this without them being aware of it.

"Although these women have chosen to go topless in public I think they would feel differently if they found these photographs on the internet."

Sussex Police refused to comment on the legality of the web site, which also features pornographic photographs which people have to pay to view.

A Home Office spokeswoman said the police and Crown Prosecution Service would have to decide if any laws had been broken if someone complained about the site.

She said: "Although there are not any direct privacy laws in Britain stopping people taking photographs in public places, there is some protection in matters like this."

Councillor Brian Oxley, who represents Westbourne ward on Hove seafront, said: "My concern is whether or not these people were aware photos were being taken. If not I find it disturbing."