The power of prayer may have helped Brighton and Hove Albion gain promotion to the First Division.

Last year, prayers were said at the parish church of St Peter's in Brighton as the club celebrated its centenary.

Canon Douglas McKittrick, Vicar and Rural Dean of Brighton, joked to board members at the time: "We should also be praying they get into the First Division."

Now, as he congratulated the club on its latest achievement, he said: "It seems there has been promotion through prayer!"

Canon McKittrick praised the players, chairman, board and fans for all the effort and skill they had shown and hoped the club could now move forward with its stadium plans.