Green-fingered enthusiasts have issued a funding plea to council chiefs – for fear of turning part of Sussex into Margate.

Dozens of groups, businesses and individuals show off the power of flowers every year as they take part in the annual City in Bloom competition.

But, in the face of unprecedented cuts from Whitehall, Brighton and Hove City Council has told people it can give no assurances about its £30,000 pot of money.

They have now written to members of the local authority’s cabinet asking them to safeguard the money for future years.

Chris Cooke, chairman of Kemp Town In Bloom, said: “City In Bloom is an important group in the city and it is vital that these funds are maintained.

“We are not talking a great deal of money and the benefit to the city as a whole far outweighs the £30k it costs to keep the group afloat. “The impact of the group goes way beyond its environmental remit.

“It's a flagship working group in this city and deserves the administration's full support.”

For the full see today's Argus.