EUROPE’S first rainbow crossing has been unveiled for LGBT Pride Month.

The colourful crossing stretching across Madeira Drive in Brighton took 20 artists two days to complete.

Since 2012 rainbow crossings have sprung up in cities around the world and have been described as a milestone for the LGBT movement. The latest crossing was the brainchild of actress and singer-songwriter Heather Peace, to tie in with her new single We Can Change.

Ms Peace said: “I knew there could be no better place in Europe to create a rainbow crossing than in my home town of Brighton. We Can Change is my big gay anthem.”

Heather Peace has been an actress for 18 years starring in shows such as London’s Burning, Waterloo Road and Prey.

She added: “It’s an empowering tribute to equality and I wanted the crossing to be a beautiful symbol to represent that during LGBT Pride month. It’s a gift from me to anyone that embraces diversity.”

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “Brighton is such a creative, colourful place and the crossing wonderfully reflects that. It’s a lovely and fitting addition in the run up to Pride 2014.”

The rainbow crossing is not intended as a pedestrian crossing where those on foot have any priority over traffic.