Des Lynam and Norman Cook are dedicated Seagulls fans

The pair, both dedicated Brighton and Hove Albion fans, were accompanied by 30 other Seagulls supporters wearing club colours.

They want the government to approve plans to build a new 22,000-seater stadium at Falmer for the club.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is expected to deliver his verdict shortly after a nine-month-long public inquiry ended in October.

Just for us to have a home is the important thing DJ Norman Cook

Mr Lynam said his career as a television presenter was probably down to his support of the Division Two club, which began while he was a pupil at Brighton's Varndean School.

"I began doing radio commentaries for Radio Brighton in 1968 when they were in Division Three," he said.

"I have come down here today to support Brighton's efforts in building this new stadium they so desperately need.

"They have been playing at a temporary stadium with just stands on two sides and the boardroom is a creche for six days of the week - it's a bit of a mess."

Environmental concerns

Brighton and Hove Albion have been without a permanent home since their Goldstone ground was sold for redevelopment in 1997.

But many Falmer residents have opposed plans for the new stadium because of environmental concerns.

DJ Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim and an Albion fan for 20 years, said: "Just for us to have a home is the important thing - it will never be the Goldstone but it will be home."

The Seagulls currently play home games at the Withdean Stadium - an athletics stadium holding fewer than 7,000 people.

Proposals for the Falmer site include banqueting suites, a creche, teaching space for Brighton University, office space for the club and car parks.