At midday on Friday 1st December, to mark World AIDS Day, the Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove, Councillor David Smith, released red balloons in remembrance of those who have died from the HIV & AIDS pandemic in the city.

Afterwards, at a special reception at R-Bar, plans were unveiled for a permanent Aids Memorial in Brighton. A place for quiet and private contemplation, and a public focus for events such as this, where we remember those who have been affected by HIV and Aids.

It is anticipated that a nationwide competition will be launched for the design of the memorial and a panel of judges will shortlist three possibilities. The public will then be able to vote for their preference and you'll be able to vote here on REALBrighton.com when details are released in a special feature we will be running.

Local businesses have already organised a number of fundraising events to help raise the money, some £20,000, that it will cost to complete the project. Please support the campaign.