The Green Party has announced its intention to make the expansion of Shoreham Airport its main issue during the May local elections.

Five Green candidates will contest wards in and around Shoreham that are likely to be affected by any expansion at the historic airport.

Dr Susan Board, candidate for St Nicholas ward, said: "As well as our usual presence in central Shoreham, we also have candidates in the Mash Barn and Widewater in Lancing the wards most affected by the proposed airport expansion.

"We are opposed to moves to expand Shoreham Airport and any increased air travel.

"Now that nationally there appears to be cross-party consensus on the need to combat climate change, the huge increases in greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft also need to be included.

"Locally, let's not drown the community in the inevitable noise and air pollution too."

Supporters of expansion deny the environment will be adversely affected.