SECRET underground tunnels built so an overweight king could visit a riding school and stables in private could soon open to the public for the first time.

Tours of the Royal Pavilion's basement and famous tunnel are being planned for early next year.

For the first time visitors will get a rare glimpse of how King George IV made the short trek across his estate to royal stables - now the Brighton Dome - so he could see his beloved horses, away from the prying eyes of passersby.

It is often thought he used the passageway to meet illegal wife Maria Fitzherbert, but the tunnel was actually built in 1821, long after their relationship had ended.

The 45 minute journey through the palace's underground network will offer a behind-the-scenes window into life below stairs for servants, from the rat catcher to the king's principal private secretary.

No dates have been confirmed yet and tickets are not on sale but it is hoped the tours could take place on Thursdays for small groups from mid to late January.

More information will be announced soon.

Organisers have warned that parts of the tour are dimly lit, there are low ceilings and uneven floors and some areas could be subject to alterations and cancellations at the last minute.

Meg Hogg, who will run the tours with Royal Pavilion and Museums colleague Geoff Greenwood, said: "This will be the first time the tunnel has been open to the public, having undergone recent restoration to prepare it for public access.

"Visitors will discover more about life below stairs for Royal Pavilion servants, from the rat catcher to George IV's principal private secretary.

"The tour ends with a visit to the tunnel which led to George’s royal stables and riding school, before emerging in what is now Brighton Museum.”