Romeo returned to his favourite party city to collect an award last night - but other celebrities did not enjoy such a smooth ride.

The rapper with garage bad-boys So Solid Crew, who used to go clubbing in Brighton, took centre stage at the Southern FM Sussex Awards to win the title of best newcomer at the Grand hotel.

But while he thrilled the crowds with his hit songs Romeo Dunn and It's All Gravy, there was bad news for singer Sophie Ellis Bexter.

The chart-topper had been due to collect a gong for best female artist after an amazing year in which her single Murder On The Dance Floor soared up the charts.

But her plane from Glasgow, which was due to land at Gatwick, had to be diverted to Bournemouth because of fog and she missed the show.

Despite the setback, the audience enjoyed a spirited knees-up.

Big Brother winner Kate Lawler was among those present to hear boy band Blue win the award for best band.

Pop Idol winner Will Young was best male artist and Liberty X won single of the year for Just A Little.

David Gray, whose concert sold out at the Brighton Centre last month, won best live gig.

An outstanding achievement award was given to Chris Difford of The Squeeze and there was a special award for the best sports personality, which went to Brighton and Hove Albion, who last season won the Nationwide Division Two championship.

It was accepted on behalf of the team by assistant manager Bob Booker.

The glittering awards, which are run in conjunction with Southern FM and Hove-based insurance company Legal and General, were in aid of Fun-d 2000, which gives grants to hundreds of youngsters to help them follow their dreams and ambitions in sport, education, leisure and performing arts.

An auction and other fund-raising events helped raise more than £25,000.

There were bids for a variety of once-in-a-lifetime offers, including a football signed by the Chelsea football team, a signed sports bra from tennis ace Anna Kournikova and a trip to see the Rolling Stones in Boston in January.

But it was the local award-winners who received some of the biggest cheers.

Andrew Walker, 41, of Upper Lewes Road, Brighton, gave up his kidney so his son Daniel, 19, who has been blind from birth, could lead a healthier life.

But the glazier was modest about his generosity.

He said: "I think any father would have done the same in the circumstances."

The young person of the year award went to Charlotte Kerwood who, aged 15, won a gold medal at this year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester, becoming the youngest ever winner of gold in ladies double track shooting.