A sand sculpture theme park is set to open on disused land near Brighton Marina after Brighton and Hove City Council approved the temporary use of the former Black Rock swimming pool site.

A council initiative invited developers to come forward with ideas for temporary uses and the Brighton Sand Sculpture Festival (BSSF) was selected as offering the best chance of boosting the city's economy.

Other proposals considered were a shopping centre made from converted shipping containers and a drive-in movie venue.

The sculpture park is expected to open from April to October, with the potential to extend beyond the summer season.

The team behind the BSSF has run a similar attraction event at Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, since 2006, and is now seeking a second venue.

Chair of the council's economic development and culture committee, Geoffrey Bowden, said: "We're confident this attraction would increase the numbers of people going to the eastern part of the seafront and that other businesses there will benefit as a result.

"We're constantly aware of the need to boost business, particularly in this location. It is steadily improving, with the Brighton Wheel, the beach sports centre and more recently the proposed spa."

A permanent use for the site is still being sought.