Former Labour Party leader Michael Foot is the latest high-profile figure to campaign for Brighton and Hove Albion's Falmer stadium bid.

Football fanatic Mr Foot, 92, has written to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to persuade him to say yes to the 22,000-seat arena later this month.

Mr Foot, a director of Plymouth Argyle football club, was shocked by the Spartan conditions at Withdean when he visited with the Pilgrims earlier this season.

He wrote to Mr Prescott: "I have watched my team play at Withdean Stadium on several occasions over the past few years. Every time I visit, I am reminded of its inadequacy as a venue for league football, let alone Championship football.

"I understand that you are currently assessing the planning application for a new stadium at Falmer. I strongly support this development and very much hope that you will approve the application."

Mr Foot was registered as a player with the Football League by Plymouth Argyle for his 90th birthday. Given the squad number 90, Mr Foot was described on the Pilgrims' official web site as "an experienced left-winger."

Celebrity Albion fans Des Lynam and Norman Cook, along with high-profile former players such as Gary Stevens and Peter Ward, have been actively campaigning for Falmer in the past couple of weeks.

On the first day of Labour's conference in the city last month, up to 10,000 fans marched along the seafront to demonstrate the overwhelming public backing for the £50 million facility.

A spokeswoman for the Deputy Prime Minister said she could not be any more specific on exactly when the decision will be announced.