A former member of the controversial Guardian Angels organisation hopes to set up a chapter to tackle hate crime in Brighton and Hove.

Nick Button, 32, was outraged by our reports and pictures last week showing victims of violence after the Pride 2001 festival.

The Brighton-born father-of-three said: "Enough is enough - it's time something was done."

He has invited his friends to set up the group and train recruits to patrol the streets during next year's event.

The Guardian Angels organisation, whose members wear uniforms with distinctive red berets, has been criticised by some for taking the law into its own hands.

Police and Pride organisers were cautious about welcoming the Angels, who are best known in Britain for their night-time patrols on the London Underground.

PJ Aldred, who chairs Pride in Brighton and Hove, said: "We were horrified to hear of the attacks, which took place in the city after what was a peaceful and trouble-free event.

"We have our own security wardens and if the Angels are thinking about coming down I would like them to liaise with us and the police before making any decision."

Nick, a 19-stone vegetarian who is an expert in kung fu and ju-jitsu, spent three years with the London Angels, who describe themselves as community safety wardens.

He said he had helped prevent muggings, assaults and an attempted rape on the Underground.

He said: "All members are volunteers from the local community who care about safety in their area. Their training includes first aid, psychology, combat and conflict resolution.

"While we would always try to find non-physical means to resolve conflict, any aggressors who resorted to violence would be in for a shock. It's time we took a stand against these people and let them know that if you want to dispense violence on innocent people you will be stopped."

He said the group would base itself in the city for the weekend and patrol crime hotspots.

Superintendent Graham Cox, of Brighton police, said: "Pride is a very safe event, which attracted more than 60,000 people and led to only two homophobic assaults being reported.

"I would be interested to talk to the Guardian Angels and am keen to support initiatives involving community wardens."