Pride in Brighton and Hove has been awarded charitable status for the first time.

The group organises the parade and festival which this year attracted more than 100,000 revellers and generated an extra £5 million for the city.

The charity also has a long history of supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the city.

The new status means financial security and greater transparency for the organisation.

Antony Robbins of the Charity Commission said: "We're delighted. Pride is an exciting organisation with a far-reaching remit and just one of the latest charities set up to serve the needs of gay and lesbian communities.

Members of Pride have been working for 18 months to submit their first bid to become a charity.

David Harvey, 44, chairman of Pride, said: "Everybody here is absolutely thrilled to bits. This will bring huge benefits and will increase our ability to gain sponsorship.

"Charitable status will open the doors to new avenues of financial support.

"Any worries or concerns about a lack of scrutiny or transparency can now be put to one side."

David Panter, Brighton and Hove City Council chief executive, welcomed the news.

He said "This puts Pride on a strong organisational footing and makes them eligible for grants - not just from the council but from other bodies.

"Any funds raised by Pride can now be given out as grants to the community rather than going into the pockets of bar owners and other private businesses."

Paul Elgood, the city's most senior gay councillor and chairman of the equalities forum, said: "This is an excellent achievement.

"This will enable Pride to build on the fantastic success of this year's festival."