The award winning charity work of Albion in the Community (AITC) will be celebrated in the House of Commons this evening at a packed reception hosted by Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas.

AITC, the charitable arm of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, will showcase its broad range of community initiatives to an audience of MPs, local business leaders, and figures from the footballing world on Parliament's famous terrace.

Speaking ahead of the event, Caroline said:

"The fantastic work being done by Albion in the Community across Brighton and Hove shows that football can be a tremendous force for good, and I am absolutely delighted to be welcoming the AITC team to Parliament today.

"The opening of the Albion's new American Express Community Stadium was a source of great excitement in the city - and it's clear that a lot of effort has gone into building good relationships in the community.

"Today's reception will be an excellent opportunity for the charity to talk to MPs, business leaders and other guests about its success with initiatives such as the disability programme and adult education schemes."

Bill Randall, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, will also be attending the AITC reception this evening. He said:

"I have seen the positive contribution Albion in the Community can make to local neighbourhoods in my own ward and other parts of the city. But their work stretches as far afield as Africa and Kosovo.

"It's part of the overall work of the club, on and off the field, which has put a spring in the step of the city."

ENDS