John Prescott secured his place in the Albion hall of fame today by saying YES to Falmer.

The Deputy Prime Minister approved the 22,000-seat stadium at Village Way.

He finally confirmed that Brighton and Hove needs a 21st Century arena and Falmer is the only viable site.

The momentous news was greeted with euphoria by the club and the legions of long-suffering Seagulls fans around the globe.

The decision, which arrived by post this morning, determines the future of the Albion.

It is also crucial for sports clubs across the community which would have access to the stadium facilities.

Albion chairman Dick Knight said the club had done everything in its power to get the go-ahead for the new stadium.

The club has been without a home since the Goldstone Ground was sold in 1997 and have been playing at the 6,500-capacity athletics stadium at Withdean since 1999, following a spell groundsharing at Gillingham.

Mr Knight said: "We have campaigned very hard. Not only in Brighton, but the whole of the football community have campaigned to make an impression on John Prescott.

"It has been an incredibly good-humoured campaign, not in any way confrontational, and it has been a national campaign that has shown Brighton need a new stadium.

"Brighton cannot compete with other big-name clubs if we do not have this stadium."