BRIGHTON and Hove woke up today to a sea of balloons tied to lamp-posts by the Falmer Stadium Campaign.

The green balloons urging people to vote 'Yes, Yes' for a stadium for the community were put up by scores of campaigners last night.

Supporters also spelt out the Falmer For All message on boards over A23 and A27 bridges and hired a plane which trailed the 'Yes, Yes' message.

And Albion yesterday re-lived some of their former glories on an open-top bus tour of Brighton and Hove.

The bus rides after Albion's promotion to the old first division in 1979 and the 1983 FA Cup Final may have caused more fervour but supporters agreed the latest tour was every bit as important.

The message from Argus columnist Derek Jameson, fans, players and officials on the bus was: "Vote 'Yes, Yes' in today's referendum to give Sussex sport a chance."

Although there were a few dissenting voices and one or two perplexed looks from onlookers, the reception was generally warm with thumbs up from youngsters and many beeping car horns.

Ron Shepherd, who saw the bus pass his home near the Royal Pavilion, said: "I saw my first Albion match 68 years ago but I haven't been to Gillingham.

"At 73, it would be nice to see a match at Falmer."

Brighton-born Albion defender Ross Johnson, 23, who has represented the club from under-12s upwards, said: "A new stadium is just a must.

"It will give the young kids something to aim for and everyone else a lift.

"I remember the 1983 FA Cup Final and seeing the open-top bus go along Western Road when I was shopping with my mum.

"If ever we got promotion at Falmer and went round again on the bus, it would be an ideal situation for everyone. The club has got massive potential and can really take off."

Mr Jameson said: "I'm here because it's pathetic to think that Brighton and Hove doesn't have a community stadium."

The campaign received further high-profile backing today as TV sports presenter Des Lynam pleaded with Argus readers to vote 'Yes, Yes'.

Mr Lynam said: "I think it would be to the benefit of everyone.

"I believe Brighton and Hove, indeed the county of Sussex, need and deserve to be represented by a club in the Football League.

"Having gone into the matter thoroughly, it seems that Falmer is the best place to reposition the club in due course - a venue that would also provide many other sporting facilities for the community."

The polls are open until 9pm.

After Albion's final match at Gillingham on Saturday, the Kent town's Cricketers pub will thank Seagulls supporters for their excellent behaviour by providing free food.

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