Pride 2002 hits Brighton and Hove today bringing its colourful explosion of music and madness.

Last year's flamboyant extravaganza drew 60,000 people to the city, who set tills ringing with their pink pounds.

But what was an amazing event was marred by a handful of thugs who chose the moment to express their stone-age prejudices in the most brutal way.

Police have said they will not tolerate any repeat of disgusting hate crimes this year.

Brighton and Hove promotes itself as brash, breezy, over-the-top and adventurous - and no event sums up that spirit more than Pride.