Football club honoured with Freedom of the City

Paul Barber (centre) was presented with the award on the club's behalf

Brighton and Hove Albion FC has described being officially presented with the Freedom of the City as "a wonderful honour".

The club was given the award in recognition of its "exceptional service to the community" and follows the team's first European campaign in the 2023/24 season, adding more than £600m to the local economy

The city's highest ceremonial award was officially presented to the chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber at the Brighton & Hove Community Stadium, also known as the Amex Stadium.

"Lifelong fan" Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "I've watched with delight as the Seagulls have soared to success over the past few years."

Finishing sixth in the league meant Brighton qualified for Europe for the first time in their history

The Seagulls finished sixth in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season and qualified for UEFA's Europa League, adding more than £600m to the local economy.

The football Club received the Freedom of the City award at a special council meeting in November 2023, but had to wait for more than a year for the official ceremony.

"The Freedom of the City award is a wonderful honour for the club, and it's great to know the whole of the community in Brighton and Hove is behind us," said Mr Barber.

"Our achievements, particularly in the last few years, have helped promote the club and the city across the world and this is something we are very proud of."

Ms Sankey said the club had brought "joy, pride and inspiration" to generations of residents.

"I'm proud of how the club's success has contributed to the local economy and boosted the profile of Brighton & Hove off the pitch," she said.