Dress in blue and white to support Albion charity

And two of the city's seafront attractions – British Airways i360 and the Brighton Palace Pier – will show their support for Albion in the Community (AITC) by changing their lighting to blue and white, the colours of the Seagulls’ home kit..

The charity, which runs 31 regular football sessions for people with a disability, has asked businesses and schools to help turn Sussex blue and white for the day.

The plan is to raise awareness of the impact the charity has in the local area, and generate funds to enable it to continue its award-winning work.

The top of British Airways i360 will alternate between blue and white throughout the evening and the lighting inside the viewing pod will also be changed to blue during the night. Further along the beach, the lights on the east and west sides of the famous Brighton Palace Pier will turn blue and white for the weekend.

Brighton and Hove Albion mascot Gully visited British Airways i360 earlier this week along with members of staff from AITC’s fundraising and disability teams – including the charity’s official ambassador Jadey Yesilada.

Mr Yesilada, who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion Powerchair FC and delivers disability awareness training to local schools and businesses, said: “Fundraising events like Blue and White Day are incredibly important to AITC and help us fund the many football sessions for people with a disability that we now deliver throughout the local area.

“It is brilliant to see companies like British Airways i360 and the Brighton Palace Pier supporting our charity.

“The fact that both attractions are so accessible to people with a disability shows how committed they are to making sure that they are attractions that everyone can enjoy.”

Other businesses taking part in Blue and White Day include Plus Accounting, B&Q in Lewes Road, Brewers, Gemini Print, MS Roofing Supplies, Sainsbury’s West Hove and telecommunications firm Focus Group.

Some 129 schools that work with AITC throughout the year are also taking part, with pupils encouraged to wear blue and white to school instead of their usual uniforms.

Money raised will help fund the charity’s football sessions for people with a disability. They are attended by hundreds of people but cost between £1,800 and £5,000 a year to run.

Anyone who would like to support Blue and White Day can donate online at: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/aitc/bwday2018