Hoteliers have given a resounding thumbs-up to Brighton and Hove Albion bid to build a stadium at Falmer.

The Seagulls are desperate to move from Withdean to a purpose-built ground on the edge of the South Downs and have submitted two plans for a 22,000 all-seater stadium at Village Way North and Village Way South.

Brighton and Hove City Council planners will decide the fate of the applications in the coming months.

Both plans have drawn criticism from Falmer residents and neighbouring local authorities.

But Brighton and Hove Hotels Association wants the stadium to be given the green light.

Roger Marlowe, association chairman, said: "Our success and well-being as hoteliers is dependent on a successful tourism industry.

"There is no doubt many tourists come here as this is one of the most well-known places in the UK.

"Having our own city football team helps to keep us in the spotlight all the time.

"It would be a huge mistake not to give the football club the maximum support possible.

"We are firmly in favour of the development at Falmer."

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said the club was "delighted" to receive the support of the hoteliers.

He said: "A development of this nature will have a huge impact on the hotel and tourism industry.

"It is proven that a stadium like this increases the number of overnight stays in the city and that has to be good for the whole of the tourism sector."