Kerry Mayo today hailed Albion as the club that has come back from the dead to win back-to-back promotions.

The Seagulls are celebrating just five years after almost dropping out of the Football League and out of existence.

Saturday's 1-0 triumph at Peterborough, combined with a 2-2 draw for Reading at Tranmere yesterday, has guaranteed a place in the First Division next season for Peter Taylor's table-toppers.

Sussex-born Mayo, the only survivor of Albion's dramatic escape from relegation from Division Three at Hereford in 1996-97, said: "It's unbelievable when you think back five years.

"We were on the brink of going out of the Football League and I strongly believe if that had been the case there would be no more Brighton and Hove Albion, with no ground of our own or finances.

"We have all stuck together and got through it and I can't really explain what the last couple of years feel like. It is something you dream of."

Leftback Mayo was at the Peacehaven home of his close pal and broken leg victim Gary Hart yesterday, the pair anxiously tuning in to radio commentary of the Reading game.

Brentford's 3-0 home win against Huddersfield denied Albion promotion on Saturday and Reading almost delayed the celebrations again as they recovered from 2-0 down to equalise with 18 minutes left.

"When they pulled back to 2-2 we were on the edge of our seats, but the result went our way and it feels brilliant," Mayo said.

"Now we are looking forward to Saturday's game against Swindon. We are promoted but we want the championship. It would be nice to have a Second Division winners' medal to go with the Third Division one."

Boss Peter Taylor took Gillingham up to Division One via the play-offs two seasons ago, but he said: "This is more of an achievement. Winning the play-off final with Gillingham at Wembley in extra-time was story book stuff, but for the nerves and the grey hair this is the best way to do it.

"We have 86 points and to be guaranteed first or second just shows the consistency of the team. We've had some absolute rocks."

Club captain Paul Rogers said: "It was a bit strange to find out while sitting in the garden, but it's a fantastic achievement.

"At the start of the season, realistically we thought about mid-table and pushing for the play-offs, but we have continued on a role. If we win on Saturday we win the championship and that's the next target. Nobody will be relaxing."