Brighton and Hove's bid to become Europe's Capital of Culture has received a £200,000 boost from business backers.

The money will be used to help showcase the city's artistic talent during the next 12 months as the Brighton and Hove - where else campaign fights to win the coveted title.

Paul Hudson, the campaign's sponsorship manager, said the backing was a "fantastic endorsement" from the business community.

He said: "They recognise arts and culture locally are not a luxury - they are our core business and vital to the local economy."

The campaign to become the continent's Capital of Culture in 2008 was launched three months ago and Brighton and Hove is competing against dozens of European cities.

Among its British competitors are Belfast, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Newcastle and Oxford.

Deputy council leader Jackie Lythell, who is chairing the campaign, said the backing more than matched the council's initial investment of £150,000.

She said: "Businesses recognise the need to promote Brighton and Hove as a cultural destination and the economic benefits that brings."

The support includes £100,000 from the campaign's ten official sponsors, which include The Argus, and will be used to support a string of events during the Year of Culture programme over the next 12 months.

Putting sculptural jewellery on city centre buildings will cost another £60,000 and £40,000 will be spent on advertising Brighton and Hove as a destination for tourists in search of arts and culture.

Andrew Ayers, of South Central Trains, another of the campaign's sponsors, said: "We are delighted to be supporting such a high profile campaign and be able to support such an exciting range of new events for our customers and staff."