Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Dick Knight used a copy of The Argus to illustrate the scale of support for the club to a public inquiry.

The Seagulls supremo held aloft a double-page photo showing huge crowds on the seafront as Albion celebrated the Division Three title two years ago.

The 20,000-strong crowd demonstrated support for the club was far greater than the 7,000 capacity at Withdean, he told the Falmer stadium inquiry at Hove Town Hall.

Mr Knight said more than 61,000 people had signed a petition, believed to be the largest ever in this country in support of a stadium, and 45,000 had voted in favour in a referendum.

He said: "Nothing binds a community together like a League football club. The importance of Brighton and Hove Albion to the city and the whole of Sussex was clearly demonstrated during the club's difficult times in the Nineties. The people rose up to save the club.

"The club is a common interest, a shared passion and a topic on conversation, debate or discussion. To many, it is their religion.

"A football league club means so much more to its supporters and to its community than just the performance of the team. It can be a catalyst for local regeneration, stimulate attainments, provide role models and confirm the value of sport in shaping the health and characters of young people."

Mr Knight said the 22,374-seat stadium would be a magnificent venue, boost tourism, increase pride in the city and create more than 600 jobs.

It would also create opportunities for education, training and community development projects through links with local schools and organisations.

The club would be able to continue developing young players through its Centre of Excellence and expand the award-winning community programme and Seagulls Specials for disabled people.

He added: "It is essential that the football club remains at the heart of its community, but not at Withdean which is totally inadequate for the club and for a city of the 21st Century.

"To take Brighton and Hove Albion out of its local community cannot be justified and would jeopardise the existence of the club."