Councillors are being asked to help make sure the Brighton Bears can play all their home games in their home city.

Members of the Conservative group on Brighton and Hove City Council say the authority should also get involved in negotiations to secure a new base for the Bears when the Brighton Centre closes.

The Bears have been national cup winners, the only British team in European basketball's equivalent to football's European Champions League, and this season's British Basketball League champions.

Tory councillor David Smith said: "They undertake a voluntary coaching scheme within local schools and the community.

"The home matches attract a family audience, with the Bears encouraging youngsters to participate and become involved in the sport."

A motion, which has been tabled for the next council meeting on April 22, applauds the Bears for what they have done and the publicity they have brought to the city.

Coun Smith said: "Now we must enable them to play all their games in the city, especially their five important European games, which, by the rules of that competition, require playing on a Tuesday in a stadium holding at least 3,000 spectators."