One of the biggest flags in the world is to be given a clean.

Brighton and Hove Albion's supporters flag is filthy after being unfurled by fans at the team's games this season.

The blue and white striped flag measures 64ft by 32ft and carries the club's Seagull logo.

Fans raised £2,000 to have the flag made and pass it over the heads of the crowd until it is unfurled before the Albion team takes to the pitch.

Credit analyst Simon Sissling takes it to every home game at Withdean stadium.

Simon, 26, of Welbeck Avenue, Hove, said: "It is absolutely filthy after being used since the start of the season.

"It gets laid on the ground and covered in mud on both sides because people walk over it.

"It is far too big to put in a washing machine so we had to think of a way of getting it clean."

Hove businessman Robbie Raggio, a family friend, has offered to get the job done.

Mr Raggio, who owns Hove station's car wash, said staff could use the power jets to clean the flag in sections.

Simon said: "We have got to get together to work out exactly how it can be done to prevent the clean sections getting dirty again once they have been washed.

"It is one of the biggest flags in the world so it should be quite a sight when the lads at the car wash get to work on it."

The flag has been dedicated to the memory of Albion fan Robert Eaton, who died in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11 last year.

Mr Eaton, 37, a former Sussex schoolboy and lifelong Albion fan, worked there as a merchant banker.

Simon also wants to hear from fans willing to take the flag to away games as he is unable to get to all the matches.

Anyone who can help can contact him by email at brighton@football.ws