The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has confirmed it will hold its annual meeting in Brighton for the next two years.

The event, which attracts 3,500 people, will be at the Brighton Centre from September 10 this year and September 10 next year.

It brings £2 million into the city each time it is held and on both occasions it immediately precedes the Labour Party conference.

Sue John, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "This is a huge coup for the city. In recent years the TUC has tended to alternate between here and Blackpool. But it has now booked 2003, 2004 and 2005.

"It says a lot for the effort we've put into improving what the city has to offer and the expertise of the conference sales team."

Keith Faulkner, of the TUC, said: "Out of all the conference venues currently available, the best option we have is the Brighton Centre.

"The TUC has clear evidence that a high proportion of attendees prefer Brighton to any other resort and venue."

The congress first came to Brighton in 1933 at the Dome.