Albion fans hope to dedicate a club flag to one of the victims of the atrocity in New York.

Former Sussex schoolboy Robert Eaton, 37, was believed to be working in the World Trade Centre at the time of the attacks and is among thousands feared dead.

Mr Eaton, a loyal Albion supporter, would make sure he watched his favourite team every time he returned to England.

Albion followers have now offered to dedicate the club's £2,000 flag in his name.

Organiser Simon Sissling said: "When we found out he was among those missing out there, a few of the fans decided to organise a tribute for him.

"It was suggested we name the flag after him or dedicate it to him in some way.

"I think it is a wonderful idea as long as his parents and wife are happy about it."

Mr Eaton was a regular contributor to the Albion fans' chat room web site North Stand Chat and was speaking on the internet to fellow fans the night before the disaster.

The ex-Brighton College schoolboy, a former chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, London, worked in New York as a merchant banker.

More than 100 tributes have been posted on the chat room message board since the attacks last Tuesday.

Many fans have backed the plan to dedicate the club flag to him.

Mr Sissling said: "The fans are devastated. Last week there were lots of rumours in the chat room that an Albion fan was working in one of the towers.

"When we found out it was him, everyone was pretty cut up about it."

Another suggestion put forward by fans is to compile a book of all the tributes to Robert and present it to his parents Doug and Laura Eaton, who live in Ditchling.

The 64ft by 32ft flag is likely to be displayed behind the west stand at Withdean Stadium when it is delivered from its manufacturers in Sheffield later this week.

Mr Sissling has already been in contact with the Guinness Book of Records to check whether it is one of the largest flags in the world.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "We were approached by the supporters with this suggestion and we thought it was a lovely gesture. Dedicating the flag to Robert is our way of remembering him and showing our support to his loved ones.

"Everyone at the club was very distressed to hear that one of our supporters was caught up in this terrible chain of events.

"Our hearts go out to all of his friends and relatives."