Pride 2001 was a storming success. More than 50,000 people from across the country attended the colourful carnival and party in Brighton's Preston Park.

Many of those who watched were families with young children in tow, who delighted at the ornate, glittering costumes and over-the-top make-up.

The city's pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and shops did a roaring trade as people queued up in their droves to spend the pink pound.

And each year the event seems to get bigger and better.

Who knows, maybe in years to come Pride will rival the world-famous Mardi Gras carnival held in Sydney, Australia.

And that can only be a good thing for Brighton and Hove.

Because not only does it provide a welcome splash of colour, it also boosts the local economy, and, at the end of the day, money talks.