A man who died after suffering head injuries at a nightclub has saved the lives of at least four other people, including a two-year-old child.

The devastated family of Anthony "Ants" Evans want some good to come from his death and decided to donate his organs for transplant.

Mourners at his funeral yesterday heard the full outcome of the gift.

Two men, 29 and 27, both close to death, received a kidney each and are starting to live normal lives.

A 66-year-man and a two-year-old child received parts of his liver. The child, who has never known life outside of hospital, is now said to be doing well.

The wife of the pensioner has expressed thanks for "giving my husband a second chance".

The valves from Mr Evans's heart have been saved for transplants and his pancreas will be used in research.

Eight of Mr Evans's workmates who carried his coffin yesterday have now vowed to allow similar donations should the worst happen to them.

In the wake of the Alder Hey Hospital scandal, supplies of organs for transplants have declined but Mr Evans's family urged people to rethink.

His brother, Metropolitan policeman Andy Evans, 39, said: "Like the rest of us my mother is devastated by Anthony's death.

"But she is adamant people should understand the good that can come from such a tragedy.

"We should all be brave enough to offer our loved ones' organs.

"I know Andy would have been really chuffed to know he had saved at least four lives."

Nearly 400 family and friends burst into applause after a letter of thanks from Kings College Hospital in London was read at the service.

Most had to stand for the funeral led by Father Peter Clegg at a packed Church of the Good Shepherd in Mile Oak.

His parents, Tony and Maureen, were joined by their other sons, Trevor, 37, and Paul, 33.

They heard how the 29-year-old plasterer from Bolsover Road, Hove, lived life "like a hurricane at 100mph".

Mr Evans, who leaves two young daughters, Elle and Lauren, was later buried at Portslade cemetery.

He died after suffering head injuries during an incident at The Escape Club in Brighton last month. He appeared to recover but later collapsed from a brain haemorrhage. A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder.