Football players and celebrities are supporting a women's refuge.

Brighton and Hove Albion and a host of showbusiness stars have put their weight behind the Red Card Appeal, launched by the Women's Refuge Project, Brighton and South Downs area.

Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross has signed up as president.

Writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe and actress Julie Graham are lined up to help with fund-raising activities and best-selling author Ruth Rendell has agreed to hold a literary lunch.

The appeal, which has the slogan Give Domestic Violence The Red Card is an attempt to involve men as well as women in supporting the project.

Project director Jean Calder said: "We will always need to raise funds and the Red Card Appeal allows men and women to work together to do this while drawing on a wide range of expertise. Alongside this, it raises awareness about domestic violence and gets the message across."

The first fund-raising event will be The Plaice To Be, a fish and chip supper on June 19 at Bardsley's fish and chip shop in Baker Street, Brighton, featuring Simon Fanshawe and At Home With The Braithwaites star Julie Graham.

On July 10, there will be a meeting for supporters at the Lord Nelson pub in Trafalgar Street, Brighton.

Ruth Rendell's literary lunch will take place in November.

In addition, Steve Ford, the Albion's community scheme manager, is organising a multi-sport event later this year.

The Red Card scheme was launched in the wake of high-profile incidents of domestic violence involving sportsmen.

Last year, the outreach service, which provides advice and support, helped 1,236 women and 1,174 children. The refuge assisted 174 women and 211 children.

To get involved in the work of the appeal or to find out more about the refuge or fund-raising, call 01273 622828.