Cup hunters Brighton and Hove Albion picked up a trophy with a difference last night.

The club received the prestigious Business Community Citizenship Award at this year's Sussex Business Awards.

A long history of working with children and people with disabilities earned the Seagulls the award, sponsored by American Express and Business in the Community.

The results of this year's contest were revealed to a record audience of more than 500 business and civic leaders at a glittering awards dinner hosted by writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe at the Copthorne Effingham Park, near Gatwick.

Winners were chosen by a high-powered panel of judges headed by leading Sussex businessman Peter Hall, regional chairman of the Institute of Customer Service.

He said: "Companies from all parts of the county and a wide range of industries feature on the list of winners.

"At a time of concern about the economy, we are proud to celebrate the strength and diversity of business and industry in Sussex."

One business set up less than two years ago which today employs more than 200 people, picked up two trophies.

Telegen UK, a Brighton-based out-sourced contact centre which handles telephone calls, fax and e-mail transactions for clients, was named KPMG Company of the Year and also took the new Dynamic Business Award, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Founded by partners Steve King and Tony Kinghorn, the company generated revenue of more than £1.8 million in its first nine months.

Frills all Round, a pioneering independent nursery baby goods retailer based in Uckfield, was named Sussex Retailer of the Year, sponsored by The Argus.

Judges said the business, run by Lisa Honeyball, has one of the most comprehensive ranges of goods in the UK.

A company that has been leading the way on environmental issues for many years, the radiotherapy equipment manufacturer Varian Medical Systems UK of Crawley, was named winner of the new Environmental Awareness Award, sponsored by South East Water and the Environment Agency.

Sussex Company of the Year, sponsored by accountants KPMG, for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, went to ADA Computer Systems of Burgess Hill, one of the UK's leading companies providing IT business solutions and training.

Heading the list of innovative companies in Sussex was Eastbourne processing equipment company Complete Minilab Services, which took the Innovation Award, sponsored by asb law and The Sussex Innovation Centre.

The firm was also runner-up as Sussex Company of the Year with 100 employees and over.

Surrey medical device manufacturer Biocompatibles of Farnham, which has a unique collaboration with the universities of Brighton and Sussex, took the University Business Partnership Award sponsored by the two universities.

A Lewes farmer who branched out into converting farm buildings for commercial use won the Small Business Award, sponsored by Southern FM. Jeremy Courtney is now a property consultant to the farming industry, managing more than 300 offices and commercial property units throughout the South-East.

Sussex Business Awards are supported by the Economic Development Group of East Sussex County Council, Sussex Enterprise, Fortis Bank, which provides a wide range of corporate banking services, the Copthorne Effingham Park, Brighton and Hove City Council and Concept Media. The awards were created and organised by The Priory Partnership.