A ROOM on a pier will be named after a council leader who died suddenly last month.

Hastings Pier has announced it will name a room in the new visitor centre after Jeremy Birch, who died on May 6 while serving as leader of Hastings Borough Council.

The news comes as more details of a memorial organised in his honour have been released.

The event at Warrior Square Gardens, St Leonards, from 8pm on Saturday, June 20, is open to everyone and will finish with a firework display at around 10pm.

Council spokesman Kevin Boorman said : “Jeremy played a huge role in Hastings over the past twenty years and was active across much of the south east where he was involved in many different groups and partnerships over this time. We have tried to organise an event which recognises and acknowledges Jeremy’s work in the community, and for the town and county.

“The evening will include tributes from leaders of different organisations Jeremy was involved in, along with music, dance and singing provided by community groups he was associated with.

“It will be an open air event, although marquees are being provided in case it is wet. The nature of the evening means that we will not be able to provide seats for everyone, but guests can bring their own chairs, or just sit on the lawn.”