A LEADING figure behind an alternative newspaper has died.

Derek Burns was one of the driving forces behind Brighton Voice, an underground publication that ran against the grain and challenged the establishment in the 1970s and 80s.

He lived in Edburton Avenue, Brighton, for many years and died last month aged 83.

Andrew Shepherd, who was both Mr Burns's landlord and a good friend, was also a member of the Brighton Voice collective at the same time.

Mr Shepherd acknowledged Mr Burns's strong personality, saying he was "certainly belligerent" but "always forgiven".

He said: "He had an overwhelming desire to play an active role in local causes, particularly those that opposed changes to the face of Brighton.

"He was particularly saddened by the neglect of the West Pier and spent many long hours there attempting repairs."

Mr Burns's devotion to the West Pier stretched to a public order incident at its entrance, as reported in The Argus of November 7, 1984, after he had appeared before magistrates.

The squabble was over a hut on the pier's forecourt and in the end the charges were dismissed as all involved "agreed to be bound over in the sum of £50 to keep the peace".

Another conservation case involving Mr Burns had already been rumbling on since 1979. Neighbours of a house he co-owned in Chester Terrace complained about the state of his childhood home, which had fallen into "rack and ruin".

Mr Burns told The Argus in 1984 he had limited authority in fixing it.

Selma Montford of the Preston and Old Patcham Society said at the time she had "chivvied him along to do something about it".

Remembering Mr Burns, she told The Argus he was "an independent person who didn't fit neatly into an organisation".

She said: "He had a very kind side to him. He was very knowledgeable and interesting, and a colourful character."

Collaborating with Ms Montford on several local books, she added: "He was a marvellous editor of text and in that respect will certainly be missed."

Brighton born and bred, Mr Burns spent ten years in Canada working from 1955 to 1965.

He was a pupil at Downs Primary School from 1936 to 1942.

Featured in The Argus in May 1996, he recalls going into air raid shelters underneath the playground during the Second World War.

He said: "We thought it was a huge lark - anything to get off school. I wouldn't say we liked the Luftwaffe but we liked the time off."

Mr Burns died on July 22 following a long struggle with pneumonia and leaves behind a partner.

His funeral takes place on August 17 at 11am at St Bartholomew's Church in Brighton.

A burial takes place at Brighton and Preston Cemetery straight afterwards.