Brighton and Hove Albion have been recognised for their sustainability after planting thousands of trees in the Andes and promoting public transport to matchdays.

Albion picked up a gold honour at the Football Business Awards.

The club was also celebrated for its hospitality experience, having introduced the Tunnel Club at the start of the 2023/24 season.

Albion’s sustainability manager Tom Harris said: “The award shows how much good work has been done already but there is a recognition that there is still much to do and the club are developing its sustainability strategy to take forward action with the support of our sustainability working group.

“Everyone at the club is delighted to have won the gold award especially as there are so many clubs doing fantastic work in this area.

“The club is committed to environmental sustainability through its My Albion My Planet strategy and this commitment extends all the way to the top. Our team values are closely aligned with sustainability and are the basis for the strategy we are developing.”

Among the award-winning measures are the option to receive membership packs digitally – a scheme which has allowed the club to plant 19,000 trees in Ecuador.

Albion was also praised for their public transport scheme which allows fans free bus and train travel within a certain area with their match ticket.

The club was also nominated in several other categories including equality, diversity and inclusion and best social media team.

The Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation were nominated for best corporate social responsibility scheme.

Brighton was awarded a bronze award for the Tunnel Club hospitality which allows supporters to eat and drink with a one-way view of the players’ tunnel.

Ben Stephenson, hospitality executive, said:  “It’s been an amazing first season for the Tunnel Club and this is a fantastic accolade to receive as a reward for our hard work.

“We are sold out for the next three seasons and we hope this is just the start. We are constantly looking at ways to add value to the experience for our members and are excited to go from strength to strength.”