The Argus is calling on our readers to help secure a place for Brighton and Hove on a new worldwide edition of Monopoly.

The paper, along with MPs, councillors and celebrities are backing the city's bid get on the popular board game.

The city is battling it out alongside the likes of New York, Tokyo and Sydney for a square on the board.

London and Paris are currently streaking ahead in an online vote, but wildcard cities - including Brighton and Hove and Chichester - are also in with a shout.

An online vote will find the planet's greatest 22 cities.

The top 20 will earn themselves places on the famous board, with number one taking the spot traditionally held by Mayfair.

Two spaces will be left empty for cities nominated through a wildcard vote - and that's where Brighton and Hove comes in.

Labour MP for Kemptown, Des Turner, said: "Let's punch well above our weight. It's quality not quantity isn't it? We absolutely deserve a place on there and trust we will be one of the more exclusive properties."

However, because of the way the vote is being held, Brighton and Hove could only be one of the low-rent property spaces traditionally held by Old Kent Road and Whitechapel.

But Labour MP for Brighton Pavilion, David Lepper has thrown his weight behind the city's bid for worldwide fame.

He said: "I think we have a good case to make. Brighton has invented the idea of a seaside holiday and has wonderful treasures like the Pavilion and a huge reputation in history and literature and art, as well as two great universities.

"All of these things make it unique and it's really thanks to Brighton that we have the famous British seaside resort and seaside holiday."

Broadcaster Simon Fanshawe also urged people to get behind the city and vote it onto the board.

He said: "If it has to be one of the cheaper squares then I think we ought to be the Old Kent Road of the world because we are brilliant at doing a huge amount with really very little.

"Brighton is one of the most interesting small cities in the world, partly because we have that great ability to take the quirky into the mainstream."

Brian Capron, also known as Coronation Street killer Richard Hillman has lived in the city for more than 30 years.

He said: "It's the best place to live and I never want to leave. It's a great place - you have got the sea and the Downs and it's a fantastic place to be. And all the while it's getting better and better."

The city's lead councillor for culture, recreation and tourism, David Smith, said: "Monopoly is a terrific game played by people of all ages all over the world, so it would be a real coup for us to get on the new international board. So get online now and vote for our great city."

Coun Averil Older, vice chairwoman on the culture, recreation and tourism committee, said: "It's fantastic news and I hope all our residents will take part because I think we can hold our own with a lot of the cities in the world.

"It would be great for the city and a big feather in our cap.

"Brighton's a fantastic city and I hope everyone votes for us."

Comic actress Carol Cleveland moved to Brighton 28 years ago. The Monty Python star said: "When I first came down here from London I wasn't planning on staying but I'm still here because I love it.

"I'd always planned to go back to America but eventually, when one day I was walking along the seafront, I thought I really love it here, so decided not to go. As far as I am concerned I will spend the rest of my days here.

"It's a vibrant city and has everything that I need - theatres and entertainment, the sea, the Downs, shops, restaurants, access to London, everything.

"It should certainly be on the world Monopoly board - there's no place like it."

A Brighton and Hove edition of the game was released in 2003, with the derelict West Pier taking the cheapest slot, and the Royal Pavilion bagging Mayfair. That was the 15th reincarnation of the game, with more than 200 versions now on sale around the globe.

Also featuring on that board is The Grand Hotel.

  • The Argus have set up a facebook group to help get Brighton and Hove onto the worldwide version of Monopoly. Simply click here to join the group and get voting. And don't forget to tell your friends to do the same!
  • To download a monopoly campaign poster click here
  • Tell us why you think Brighton and Hove or Chichester should be on the new board below.