TRIBUTES have been paid to a selfless lecturer, magistrate, fundraiser, coach and taxi driver “who never sat down” during 50 years of caring for others.

Jason Bristow touched upon the lives of thousands during half a century of teaching, fundraising and serving the community of Brighton and Hove.

A large turnout is expected at the funeral of Mr Bristow, who spent all but three years of his life in Sussex, when it is held on Friday.

Born in Horsham in 1931, his family survived a bomb falling in Orchard Road during the Second World War which blasted out their windows as they hid behind their armed chairs.

On his first day at teacher training college in Bognor, he sat next to Hazel and they were inseparable from there on – marrying in 1957 and enjoying 63 years together.

He moved to Brighton in 1955 to take up his job at Varndean Grammar School For Boys as a PE teacher, where he served for ten years.

He initially lived at Varndean Holt outdoor education centre, which he also ran with Hazel for a number of years.

Mr Bristow was among the first male teachers at Brighton Technical College when it became a coeducational school in what would become a 27-year tenure until early retirement in 1981.

Every Wednesday morning though, Mr Bristow would take up a place at the bench at Brighton Magistrates’ Court where he served until 2001.

His son Paul Bristow said: "I don't know what the driving force was but he did dedicate his life to others.

"He was so generous and always put other people before himself, he was interested in people and their lives.

"He never sat down.

"Very rarely would he sit in front of the television to watch some sport.

"But he would never sit down for five, he would always feel guilty that he was indulging himself."

Mr Bristow was also heavily involved with the Brighton Lions including the whole family in fundraising around the much-loved Brighton Carnival and donkey derby week.

A former Lions president, Mr Bristow was recognised for his long service to the international movement in his 70s when he was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones fellowship for long service.

His three sons John, Andrew and Paul became elite middle-distance runners with Brighton and Hove City Athletics Club.

Mr Bristow would take the stop-watch at Withdean Stadium while his wife Hazel was secretary and would record the results.

After retirement, he worked again as a taxi driver and his family fondly remember tales of famous passengers including celebrities such as Sue Pollard and Larry Adler, who once gave him a mouth organ in thanks for a journey from London.

The funeral of grandfather-of-five Mr Bristow will be held at Woodvale Crematorium on Friday from 1.30pm.

His family has requested no flowers but donations to the Brighton Lions.