Dance stars, up-and-coming rockers and a London's Burning actor are among the Brighton and Hove Albion fans raising money at a club benefit gig.

Phats & Small, who had a worldwide dancefloor smash in 1999 with Turn Around, are the latest additions to the Avoid the Drop event on Friday.

They join punk band Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster and DJs Midfield General and Andy Mac, from club sponsors Skint records, on the bill.

It will be hosted by actor Stephen North who starred in London's Burning and the film Fever Pitch.

The event is being staged by the Forty Notes More or Less Fund to raise cash for Steve Coppell to buy new players for the Seagulls.

The fund is an independent scheme to finance the purchase, loan or wages of players to help the club avoid relegation.

Albion chairman Dick Knight promised all donations would be used solely for this purpose and £15,000 has already been used to secure the loan signing of Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Ben Roberts.

Co-promoter Alan Wares said Phats & Small were postponing a video shoot in the Mediterranean to appear.

He said: "We weren't sure at first whether Phats & Small could play this particular evening.

"Naturally, we are extremely pleased they are sacrificing a few days in the Mediterranean to help out.

"We also believe that other stars will be helping Stephen with the hosting.

"Don't be surprised if other big-name Albion fans go up on stage that night."

Doug Clarke, a trustee of the Forty Notes Fund, said: "We are delighted we have such a wealth of local talent available to support the Albion."

A spokesman for Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, who scored a UK Top 40 hit with Psychosis Safari, said: "We're doing this benefit for the Albion to buy a new player because they aspire to greatness and that's tough to do if you get relegated."

The gig at Hove Town Hall will also feature local bands Dirty Shoes, No Direxion and The Reclaimers.

It is being presented in association with Juice FM, Skint Records and Concert and Corporate Crew.

Tickets, costing £12 each, are available from the Brighton Centre and Hove Centre box offices, online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0870 9009100.