I would like to pay tribute to the Brighton Bears basketball team for their performance against Sheffield Sharks at the Brighton Centre last Saturday evening.

What a treat. I was kept on the edge of my seat by the speed of the game and the excitement it generated.

This was the first time my wife and I have been to a basketball game since the Harlem Globetrotters came to Brighton many years ago.

I was also impressed by the incredibly enthusiastic family following that the team enjoys. The lack of "aggro" from the audience and players that so often dogs other team sports these days made the whole evening sheer enjoyment.

I can't wait to get my tickets for the next encounter with the Sharks on Wednesday April 14, when I propose to take my grandchildren. I do hope the rest of the City will get behind the Bears.

-Councillor David Smith, Conservative spokesman for leisure, Rottingdean Coastal Ward