Albion supporters have been voted the best in the country for giving support to other teams during their own turbulent times.

The Football Supporters Federation presented the official Albion supporters club with an award for its solidarity with other clubs over the past eight years.

Seagulls' followers have had to put up with exile in Gillingham, an unsuitable home at Withdean and uncertainty over the proposed stadium at Falmer.

But they have never shirked from helping other clubs.

Fans raised almost £10,000 for Bury two years ago by buying seats at Gigg Lane, while individuals collected £3,000 for a Hartlepool United goalkeeper injured in a car crash.

Other clubs to benefit from their goodwill include Chester, Doncaster, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Hull City.

Vice-chairman of the supporters club Liz Costa said: "We accepted the award on behalf of all Brighton fans, not just the supporters club, as we fully recognise that without everyone else, Albion supporters would not have been put forward."

A club spokesman congratulated the supporters and said: "Let's just hope John Prescott sees fit to reward Albion fans for all their good work by granting permission for the new stadium at Falmer."