Three Brighton companies will be the first in the country to receive CommunityMark awards for their work in the community.

Brighton and Hove Albion, Family Assurance Friendly Society and construction firm Integra will receive their awards from e-commerce and competition minister, Douglas Alexander tomorrow.

The ceremony, at the Thistle Hotel in Brighton is sponsored by American Express and Diageo.

Eighteen other businesses will get certificates recognising their commitment to achieving the mark.

CommunityMark is an endorsement of excellent practice in business community programmes and Brighton and Hove was chosen for the launch because of the number of businesses in the city committed to community projects.

Matalie Matos, CommunityMark consultant at the Brighton and Hove Business Community Partnership, said: "Companies in Brighton have come out in force and proved what a difference they can make if they work with local voluntary and community groups developing projects of mutual benefit.

"Activities can range from employee volunteering and providing services and equipment free of charge to straightforward financial help. A well-managed programme can help with staff training and motivation, generate positive publicity, enhance customer loyalty and aid business planning."

CommunityMark was developed following endorsment by the Government and community, voluntary and business sectors.

The model has been developed in Brighton and Hove by Business in the Community, based on the excellence model of the British Quality Foundation.

Business in the Community chief executive Julia Cleverdon said: "CommunityMark provides support and guidance to small and medium-sized businesses aiming to improve or develop community programmes and is an effective way of communicating the real benefits to business and communities of this focused investment.

"It is thanks to the many partners who have worked together on this project - all the businesses participating, the Enterprise Agency Brighton Hove and Lewes, Sussex Enterprise, Business Link Services for Sussex, the Home Office Active Community Unit and Get Active - we can launch CommunityMark nationally."