VIDEO: Hundreds pay their respects at service for Jeremy Birch in Hastings

At a special memorial service, which included dancing and music, as well as a firework display at the end, people gave moving tributes to the councillor who died last month.

Council leader Peter Chowney said: “Jeremy was a true son of Hastings and always fought for what was right and good. He was an amazing orator and a true socialist.”

Former MP Michael Foster said: “Jeremy galvanized a new generation of activists. He had a big personality but never a big ego. He was a man at ease with himself, a man who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and a man with a sharp sense of humour. Hastings has lost a son who is irreplaceable but his legacy will be remembered for a very long time.”