A gay man who survived a knife attack today offered to help his attackers find the help he says they need.

Andy Dunton, who is still recovering in hospital, said he felt pity for them.

He said: "I don't feel anger towards them. I feel more sorry for them than I do for me.

"In the past week there have been times when I have wanted to hit them but I think what I would like to do is meet them and ask them why they did something like this."

Andy, 38, chairman of Brighton and Hove Pride committee, was attacked by two hooded men as he walked along a footpath between Madeira Drive and Marine Parade in the early hours of April 22.

The 5ft 11in former bouncer, who was on his way home from a casino, was robbed and stabbed twice in the stomach and hand. He underwent emergency surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and afterwards doctors told him he was lucky to survive.

Andy, a bar manager, said he felt his attackers were just as much victims as him.

"Although they were hooded, I got the impression that one of them was only 14 or 15 and I felt it was not the first time he had attacked someone. I think he may have a problem he needs to come to terms with.

"That may not be his fault. But it needs to be addressed otherwise he will go through his whole life being angry."

Andy said his attackers used the word "faggot" as they pulled the knife on him.

He said: "I've been involved in the gay scene in Brighton all my adult life but I have never been singled out for my sexuality like this. I had no doubt why I was being attacked."

With his partner Allen Hyatt, 22, at his side, Andy said: "I've travelled and worked in cities all around the country and I've always thought how fortunate we were in Brighton, where you can walk around freely.

"But even now, after this, I'm sure it is just a minority - the bad apples. We used to be the minority. Now it's just a small number of people who feel the need to attack gay people."

In March another gay man, Graham Munday, was punched and kicked by a gang shouting homophobic insults in Ashton Rise, Brighton.

Andy said: "I don't know what the answer is to this spate of attacks but increasing numbers of police on the streets and getting rid of Section 28 so that teachers could talk about sexuality in schools would certainly help."

He said he had been inundated with messages of support from the gay and straight communities.

"I have had so many cards, phone calls, emails and bouquets of flowers. It has been amazing.

"I think I've been very lucky. I'm not looking on this as a near-death experience, more a close shave. If anything good can come out of it, then I hope it might encourage more people to report homophobic attacks and lead to a better understanding between the two communities."

He said he hoped to be out of hospital by the end of the week and would then resume planning for this year's Pride festival.