BRIGHTON Pride’s colourful parade will be missing one of its most colourful characters today.

George Montague has been a prominent and popular presence in the Pride parade for years riding his mobility scooter and waving his Oldest Gay in the Village sign.

But this year the 93-year-old will be a notable absence as he focusses on his campaign to have a 42-year-old conviction for gross indecency overturned.

Pride goers can instead find Mr Montague in the St James’s Street Pride Village Party on Saturday and Sunday afternoon by the Gelateria DeLuca ice cream parlour at the corner of Madeira Place.

Mr Montague has 1,500 signatures but is aiming to hit 10,000 before he delivers it to Downing Street next week.

The campaigner said that the conviction was based on his sexuality and caused him to lose his position as a senior scout commissioner.

Two years ago he received the backing of Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby and Prime Minister David Cameron to have the criminal record removed but still no formal action has been taken.

Mr Montague said he wanted a formal apology and the conviction lifted before he dies.

To sign the petition online, visit change.org and search for oldest gay men.