Brighton and Hove Albion's players are swapping their football kits for bespoke suits.

Tailor Gresham Blake and his wife Fal opened a shop in Brighton last March and have been attracting a range of customers, including Norman Cook, Zoe Ball and Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt of Status Quo.

Fal said: "The Albion approached us because I think they wanted something more fresh and funky to represent the club and the players.

"We're designing suits and individual ties for each player and a club tie that will go on sale in the Seagulls' shop.

"But I don't think the players are finding it easy to agree on the club tie."

The couple have just marked their first anniversary in their Bond Street shop with a refurbishment.

Fal said: "It's been a fantastic year for us.

"Brighton and Hove is full of individuals who want to wear something a little bit different and that's why bespoke tailoring is so popular.

"The cut is exceptionally important but there are so many different fabrics we can use and subtle tweaks that ensure a suit stands out."

"Business has been strong throughout the year and now's the time when the demand for wedding suits, which make up the majority of our business, starts to increase again.

"Suits are very fashionable and there's much more to them than a boring, grey number."

The pair have also introduced their own range of shirts and ties and intend to spend the rest of the year promoting their brand.

*Wednesday April 9 2003