THE husband of an LGBTQ+ campaigner who died last month has told how tributes have provided comfort at such a difficult time.

George Montague, known as the ‘oldest gay in the village’, died in March after a two year battle with Alzheimer's.

His husband, Somchai Phukkhai, said that he was “privileged to have been part of his life” after first meeting in 1997.

The couple entered into a civil partnership in 2006, and got married at Brighton Town Hall in 2015.

Somchai said: “George was a very loving, caring person; a husband, father and grandfather.

“He spent his entire life helping others and he campaigned tirelessly for the acceptance and equality of gay rights.

“He was principled and fought for what he believed to be right, even to the detriment of himself.

“He said that if he had spent as much time running his company as he did helping charitable causes, he would have been a much more successful businessman.”

Somchai said that Mr Montague had been determined to live to the age of 100, but “sadly that was not to be, despite my very best efforts to help him achieve that milestone”.

He said: “Every time I kissed him during this final year, he would say ‘Thank you for loving me, I’m so lucky to have you.’

“I love and miss him dearly, and he will be missed by all of us.”

Somchai said that messages of condolence on social media have been comforting for both him and Mr Montague’s family.

“It is so good to know that his tireless campaigning has had such a positive effect on so many people’s lives, both here and around the world.”

Mr Montague’s funeral will take place at Downs Crematorium in Brighton on April 11 at 2pm, with everyone welcome to attend.

His funeral procession will leave Marine Parade at 1.30pm, travelling past Brighton Palace Pier, Old Steine, St Peter’s Church, Lewes Road and Bear Road and on to the crematorium. Those wishing to pay respects are asked to wear colourful and rainbow clothes or formal clothes.

Donations in Mr Montague’s memory, to The Sussex Beacon or the Brighton Rainbow Fund, can be made online via https://www.cpjfield.co.uk/services/170464.