A BUS has been named in memory of a community campaigner.

The new Brighton and Hove Bus has been named after Chris Cooke, the popular Brighton man who died after a fire at his flat.

The bus will travel along the number one service to Whitehawk - through St James's Street and the area of which the activist was so passionate.

Mr Cooke was taken to hospital after a fire engulfed his flat on the 13th floor of Essex Place, Montague Street, Brighton in February. The 48-year-old died two days later.

Money has been raised since in his honour and a memorial service will take place later this month.

Chairman of the Eastern Road partnership, the Essex Place tenants association and a founding member of the St James’s Community Action Group, he campaigned tirelessly for improvements to the area and gay rights.

He was a member of the Friends of Queen's Park, organised the Kemptown in Bloom contest, was the chairman of the Brighton and Hove LGBT community safety forum and supported the Gay Business Forum.

The columnist for the Kemptown Rag had also been involved with the Rainbow Fund and Spectrum.

Mr Cooke's sister Emma Tindell said: "My parents and I think this is a very unique and special way to recognise Christopher and want to thank everyone involved in making this happen. 

"Choosing the Kemp Town route would mean a lot to Chris as he loved living, working and supporting the neighbourhood."

Bus company managing director Martin Harris said: "We're really pleased to be able to honour Chris Cooke in this way. He's done so much for the community. It's very fitting that we can name a bus after him on service 1 which runs through the heart of Kemp Town."

The Reverend Andrew Woodward from St Mary's Church, Kemp Town, said naming the bus after Chris for that route was a "very fitting tribute".

He said: "Everyone is welcome to attend the service and when they arrive they will be handed a single flower to lay at the alter with their memories of Chris. He really loved planting flowers and was a very kind hearted person. This will be a celebration of his life."

The reverend will lead a memorial service for Mr Cooke at St Mary’s Church in St James’s Street, Brighton, on Sunday, June 19.

The Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus will sing in the service organised by friends and colleagues from 3pm.

A crowdfunding campaign raised more than £3,000 in his honour and the money is expected to be spent on improvements in Queen's Park.