FORMER Albion chairman Dick Knight has pledged his support to the Save Madeira Terrace campaign and is urging others to follow suit.

The club legend, who played a huge part in Albion’s rise from the ashes, feels said the terrace and arches in Madeira Drive are an essential part of the city’s culture.

He said now is the time for residents of Brighton and Hove to pull together and do whatever it takes to restore the terrace, which is currently fenced off for safety reasons, to its former glory.

Mr Knight said: “The Madeira Terrace and its arches are the forgotten treasure of Brighton seafront.

“I’m all for the campaign to restore this iconic façade, which is half a mile long and dating from the late 19th century, within the vision of a buzzing modern promenade, featuring shops, galleries, offices and restaurants, along Brighton’s eastern seaboard.”

Mr Knight, who bought Albion in 1997, helped rescue the club and gave the Seagulls stability before selling to Tony Bloom in 2009.

He now wants to help rescue the terrace, which, like the Albion, he says is another integral part of the city’s makeup.

He added: “Like the brilliant new Hove Plinth series of sculptures coming next year to the seafront, which I supported, I am fully behind the Madeira Terrace initiative.

“I will be making a donation to help get the project off the ground.”

He added: “I urge everyone who loves the city to do the same if possible, so we can ensure that one of Brighton’s hidden gems will be enjoyed by future generations.”

Mr Knight, who was made club president by his successor, feels the restoration would mean big things for the city’s economy - and even waded in with an idea of how the space could be used.

He said: “It would become a huge attraction to visitors and residents alike – and could even inspire Norman [Cook] or one of our budding young musicians to compose Brighton’s own ‘Under the Boardwalk’.”

So far, the Save Madeira Terrace campaign has received backing from more than 1,000 people.

The aim is to raise £429,632, of which £194,000 has so far been raised.

If the campaign hits the target, it will give the Madeira Terrace a better chance of receiving funding from the Government as it proves the project has local backing.

To donate to the campaign, go to www.spacehive.com/madeira-terrace.