DISGRUNTLED students held a demonstration outside the city's railway station in protest over soaring rail fares.

Dozens of pupils from Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC) held placards expressing their fury over rising costs for 18-year-old outside Brighton station this morning.

It comes amid a historic rise in energy costs as thousands of residents face being unable to afford to put the heating on or cook warm meals as energy bills soared overnight.

Student Union President, Lola Lazzati said: "Rail fares are a joke!

"We are demanding that the 16-17 railcard is extended to 18-year-olds in full-time education.

"Those who turn 18 at the beginning of the academic year are paying a premium to come to college every day, whilst those with a late birthday get 50 per cent off until they finish exams. We want change!

The Argus: Pupils outside Brighton station Pupils outside Brighton station

"The train fare system is totally unfair to 18-year-olds in full-time education as the only discount scheme available to them will be the Young Persons Railcard which can’t be used for season tickets or during peak travel times.

"The removal of the Sussex Saver 33 pre cent off scheme for 17 to 18-year-olds which is being replaced with a national scheme of 50 per cent off travel fares for only up to 17 years olds in full-time education is extremely unfair."

BHASVIC Principal William Baldwin added: "‘We have been working with Citizens Brighton and Hove to actively empower our students and give them agency to organise and demonstrate around issues that matter to them, to hold people in power to account. It is great to see them taking part in this protest."