TRIBUTES have been paid to "Brighton's oldest raver" who has died at the age of 84.

Pete Turner, more commonly known as Disco Pete to his thousands of fans, died in his sleep yesterday morning.

The artist, poet, DJ and former school caretaker had been suffering with Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Pete became a well-known figure in Brighton due to his regular appearances at festivals and events and his love of dancing.

The Argus: Pete Turner at an event in Preston Park in the 1980sPete Turner at an event in Preston Park in the 1980s

He was born in the city and worked as a school caretaker at Stanford Infants School for many years, having been in the RAF as a young man.

Pete was also a DJ himself during the 80s and 90s, and would play classic party tunes at weddings, birthdays and school discos in Brighton.

His daughter Vanessa paid tribute to her dad and said: "He was a busy man.

"He was always entering talent contests and dance competitions whenever we went on holidays and he loved going to festivals and events in Brighton and around Sussex.

"We even went out clubbing after he was wheelchair-bound and could no longer walk.

"He was a right character and had a great sense of humour."

The Argus: Pete on his 80th birthdayPete on his 80th birthday

Vanessa said her dad had owned more than 2,000 records and she had found "all kinds of treasures" in his flat after he moved into a nursing home in 2018, including pieces of artwork and poetry she had never seen.

She said: "He was very talented. A lot of his art work was sea-themed and he loved the West Pier.

"He did an amazing drawing of it and would make art out of driftwood."

Writing on Pete's Facebook page, Vanessa said: "He was a great dad and I am sure going to miss him.

"We had many great times together over the years, leaving us with many fond memories.

"RIP old fella and may you continue to dance amongst the stars."

Vanessa also thanked the Adelaide Nursing Home in Hove for caring for her dad for the past three years.

Pete attended Brighton Festival every year, including the Children's Parade - where a huge puppet version of him was even made in 2016.

The Argus: The huge puppet that was made of Pete for the Children's ParadeThe huge puppet that was made of Pete for the Children's Parade

The "Brighton's oldest raver Disco Pete" Facebook page, which was originally set up by a fan, had more than 12,500 likes at the time of his death.

Tributes have flooded social media today as people mourn the loss of a "party legend".

Maggie Maes Club posted on Facebook: "An absolute Brighton LEGEND. Rest in peace Disco Pete. I hope that dancefloor up there is ready for you".

Twitter user Stephanie Coates wrote: "RIP Disco Pete - always a huge presence at outside events in Brighton and Hove for many years.

"He could be spotted in his fantastic suit of flames dancing right at the front.

"He will be missed."