The Green Party has expressed its delight at Brighton and Hove Council's decision to lend Pride £20,000.

This follows Pride's money troubles last summer, when it was warned it would have to raise £50,000 or risk being scaled down.

The Council's decision to provide a short-term loan will enable organisers to deliver the 18th Pride event, seeing it finally come of age.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party general election candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency, said:

"The decision to loan Pride the money makes good economic sense as well as being a win for Brighton's LGBT community. Far and away the highlight of the city's free cultural calendar, Pride attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from the rest of the UK and around the world and puts the city on the map.

"Local businesses take in more trade that weekend than any other, and the business case for supporting Pride is overwhelming. Greens are delighted the event has been saved."

Councillor Vicky Wakefield-Jarret, Green spokesperson on LGBT and Equality issues on the council, said:

"It's great news that Pride's financial security has been secured. Pride weekend is a defining feature of Brighton & Hove - a city renowned as the gay capital of the UK.

"Every year, the event gives us a unique platform to shout from the rooftops about our support for the LBGT community and our belief in tolerance, fairness and equality for all."

For more information please contact Brighton and Hove Gren Party on 01273