A drag queen who performed on stages across the world for more than 50 years has died at his home in Brighton.

Phil Starr, who died at the age of 72, was working full time right up until his death on Tuesday and had recently taken over managing the hotel and piano bar at Starr's Hotel and Bar in the New Steine, Brighton.

He was also working several nights a week in bars and hotels throughout Brighton and Hove as a drag artist, singing and telling jokes.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as well as mainstream lovers of entertainment have been paying tribute to Phil, who raised thousands of pounds for various charities during his career.

He was last seen at the cabaret bar Legends, in the New Europe Hotel, Marine Parade, Brighton, on Sunday.

He was performing the final show at Legends, which is closing down for refurbishment. He was also the first performer to open the bar when it started 14 years ago.

His last song on Sunday was the Dame Vera Lynn classic We'll Meet Again.

Fellow entertainer Brian Ralph, who knew Phil for almost 30 years, was at Legends to see Phil's last performance, along with actress Hilda Braid, who plays Nana Moon in EastEnders, also a friend of Phil's.

Mr Ralph said: "He was my nearest and dearest friend. I shall miss him terribly. I saw him every day and he was my confidante."

Mr Ralph, who is putting on the alternative Brighton and Hove pantomime Babes In The Bushes in which Phil Starr was to perform in the new year, added: "It's a tremendous loss. He never had a bad word for anyone and he had total recall for scripts."

Phil worked throughout the UK and in Thailand this year to raise money following the tsunami for an orphanage he supported.

He would perform with fellow Brighton drag artist David Raven, known as Maisie Trollette. The pair appeared regularly at The Queen's Arms, Kemp Town, as the duo Arsenic and Old Lace.

Mr Raven said: "Phil and I have been like two listed buildings. It's a huge loss. I will remember his absolute kindness."

Phil, who appeared on BBC TV's Weakest Link with other drag artists, was also a supporter of the city's Pride event.

David Harvey, chairman of Pride, said: "They don't make them like Phil anymore.

"He was a super showman and his comic timing was impeccable."

The gay club Revenge in Old Steine, Brighton, paid tribute to Phil Starr on Tuesday night after hearing of his death.

Already the showbusiness and gay community are planning to commemorate the huge contribution the performer made to the community of Brighton and Hove.