A supermarket will help streamline a marathon course for runners.

Tesco, in Church Road, Hove, has agreed to close its main entrance so that both carriageways can be used to help the flow of runners during the Brighton Marathon on April 10.

This year entries to the marathon swelled by 3,000 to 15,000, an increase of 25%. The extra space in Church Road will ease congestion for both runners and spectators to enjoy the day.

In return, the Brighton Marathon is funding the creation of a temporary entrance and exit to the north-east of the existing car-park, in Haddington Close, so that on race day vehicle access to the store can be maintained.

Tesco will also be manning its own water station just 200 metres west of the store at mile 17 as part of its contribution to the success of the race.

A Brighton Marathon spokesman said: “The store management have been very accommodating and have enabled us to make that section of the route far safer and more enjoyable for the runners and spectators alike.

“It is gratifying to see the community pulling together in this way to ensure that the city's biggest one day sporting event, that raises millions for charity, can operate smoothly.”