The new force behind Gay Pride has vowed the annual event will remain free.

Andy Dunton was elected as chairman of the Pride in Brighton and Hove committee, which organises the event, at its AGM last night.

He took over the position from PJ Aldred who stood down to take up a post with Newsquest (Sussex), the company which publicises The Argus and Leader, to launch a magazine, 360, aimed at the gay community.

She has retained a seat on the committee.

Mr Dunton, who served on the committee last year, has spent 15 years working in Brighton and Hove's gay community, which he described as one of the best in Europe.

He said: "I will do everything possible to ensure Pride remains a free event and continues to develop while retaining its strong roots within our community."

Last year's event, which attracted more than 50,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and supporters, cost £107,000 to stage.

One of the largest free events of its kind in the country, it is expected to cost more than £130,000 this year.

Members of Pride, who rely on grants, fund-raising, donations and bar proceeds, are strongly opposed to introducing an entry fee.

Organisers say they will have to look at other ways of raising revenue and attracting volunteers to avoid taking the same route as the Mardi Gras in London, which began to charge an entry fee several years ago. They agreed to consider putting some services out to tender.

The Brighton and Hove event includes a carnival march through the city and a party in Preston Park with music, entertainment, a fair and bars.

At last night's meeting at the Brighthelm Church and Community Centre in North Road, Mr Dunton thanked Ms Aldred saying: "Let's all work together and let's make it work this year."

She said: "We have pulled off two events which not only have attracted record attendances but are in the black. It's the whole committee which has pulled together to make Pride what it is today."