Sussex has the biggest concentration of creative businesses in the country outside London.

To recognise the importance of these businesses to the county's economy, a category for creative industries has been introduced into the Sussex Business Awards.

Sponsored by Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council, the award is aimed at artistic and new media companies.

Scott Marshall, head of economic development and regeneration at Brighton and Hove City Council and a prinicpal judge for the category, said the creative industries were vital to the region.

He said: "Over the past ten years, the sector has become a major part of the local economy. It has made a huge impact.

"We have successful creative companies across a very broad sector.

They are in everything from street art and dance to digital and new media. They are all part of our city's culture."

Internationally-famous dance group Stomp started in Brighton and now has performers touring the world. The troupe appeared on film at the Oscars ceremony in Hollywood.

The post-production work was done in Brighton by new media company Victoria Real.

The East Sussex Economic Partnership and the city council have developed a creative industry strategy, which was launched last year.

Mr Marshall said: "We now have an industry-led group, chaired by Richard Dawes of Victoria Real, that is working to implement the strategy.

"We are sponsoring the new award to provide recognition for the economic and social contribution firms in the creative industries make towards the county economy."