An influential musician who helped young people develop an interest in classical music has died.

David Gray was the director of music at the Brighton Youth Orchestra for 33 years until his retirement in 1994.

Friends and past colleagues paid tribute to the man credited with starting the careers of some of Britain's finest musicians.

Andy Sherwood, who took over Mr Gray's role, said: "It is hard to overestimate what he did. He probably changed the lives of many people whether they went on to become musicians or not.

"Many of the people he inspired still play today and Brighton has produced some of Britain's best musicians, and a lot of that is down to David.

"The most important thing is that his work lives on and the orchestra is still popular and producing some of Britain's best."

Mr Gray's partner, Chris Poole, 54, gave up his job seven years ago after Mr Gray was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

He looked after him on a daily basis until the 71-year-old died at Worthing Hospital on Monday following a short illness.

Mr Poole said: "I was with David for 33 years so he has been the biggest part of my life to date. He was always very caring and in all the time I knew him, he never said he was fed up about anything.

"David loved his life. He was never happier than when conducting or tending to his garden.

"He was devoted to the young people in the orchestra and really enjoyed music making and educating."

Mr Gray took over as conductor of the orchestra as a temporary measure in 1961 and was persuaded to stay in the role by grateful supporters.

Under his direction, the orchestra represented Britain three times at international festivals in Montreux, Aberdeen and St Moritz.

His hard work and dedication was rewarded with an MBE for his services to youth music.

The Brighton Youth Orchestra will perform a concert in Mr Gray's memory at a future date.

Mr Gray's funeral service takes place at Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton, on Tuesday at 2.30pm.