Bereaved Andrew Sains decided a conventional funeral service would not be a fitting tribute to his charismatic partner of 14 years, Ian Tong.

Instead, he enlisted the help of a budding artist and friend Nathan Enticknapp to create a unique coffin, painted in images from the 50s and 60s.

It included vinyl records, a Bakelite television and leopard skin prints, to celebrate the colourful life and individuality of the man he loved.

Ian, a former restaurateur, was a huge fan of the eras, so it was decided to honour his life in art and music at the funeral service at Woodvale Crematorium, in Brighton yesterday.

Andrew, who lived with Ian in Lincoln Road, Portslade, Hove, said: "He was a very individual guy. Everything he was into is on the casket.

"I thought it needed to be individual and reflect the image of Ian and what he was all about."

Ian died earlier this month, following a long battle against cancer. He was 53.

Those who knew him said he remained the life and soul of every social occasion throughout his ordeal.

Andrew made a compilation tape of Ian's favourite music for the service and Ian and Andrew's friend Diane sang Edith Piaf's L'Hymne A L'amour.