Gay or straight, black or white, young or old - it didn't matter who you were when Pride hit Brighton and Hove at the weekend.

Thousands of people from across the UK gathered in the towns to celebrate their sexuality and turn the seafront into a joyous parade of colour.

There were top musical acts in Preston Park, a procession of floats through the towns and some amazing costumes which revellers had made especially for the day.

And to think that just a few months ago the future of the whole event was in doubt because of a squabble between the organisers.

It's a credit to our towns that such an event can go with such a bang and proves once again that Brighton and Hove really is The Place to Be.

And once again our gay community has proved it is our pride and joy.

A hard place A council is planning to move 15,000 cubic metres of shingle from Shoreham Beach to bolster sea defences further down the coast.

Residents living nearby are concerned the move could harm rare and endangered plants which thrive in the areas and are planning a petition in protest.

They are astonished the council is planning the move, especially after it criticised resident Scott Welch, the boxer, last month for moving some of the shingle to build a swimming pool.

The council has assured residents that the shingle will replenish itself in time and not harm plants growing in the area.

The authority should be in no doubt that there will be plenty of people watching its actions very closely to make sure this is the case.

Star image A series of drawings of stars of the silver screen which have been unseen for more than 50 years are going on display as part of a millennium exhibition.

Doris Harrison sketched screen idols including Clark Gable, Bette Davis and Bing Crosby to keep busy during the Second World War.

These delightful sketches have gone on display in Worthing - and are likely to prove a real draw.