The Pride festival staged in Brighton two weeks ago was one of the most successful the city has known.

But it had an ugly aftermath, when several gay people who attended it were deliberately attacked by thugs because of their sexual orientation.

Police have done their best to apprehend those responsible for these vile attacks but it would be much better to prevent them happening in the first place.

Now New York-style Guardian Angels are volunteering to take on a protective role for the city's gay and lesbian community.

Some thugs would certainly be put off if they saw large and tough minders nearby.

But there's always a danger with vigilantes that they will take the law into their own hands and add to violence instead of preventing it.

If the Guardian Angels do make an appearance on Brighton and Hove streets, it had better be with the say-so of the police.

The gay community itself will have to approve the men and the methods of protection, otherwise the cure could be worse than the disease.