SINGER Peter Andre admitted he misses Brighton when he returned to the city to inspire people to vote for the Pride of Britain Awards.

The tour stopped off at Brighton Palace Pier yesterday to get votes in for the October awards, and Andre is the poster boy for the campaign.

He said: “Pride of Britain is one of the most special things that happens in this country because it gives the chance for unsung heroes to be praised, acknowledged and recognised for what they do.

“With all the tragedies going on in the world at the moment, unsung heroes are everywhere.”

Andre used to live in Withdean Road during his marriage to Katie Price, and says he is fond of the city.

The Mysterious Girl singer said: “I love Brighton and it is nice to be back here when it’s not raining. I do miss it.

“I used to bring the kids down to the pier to get fish and chips and the weather was always bad but it is perfect today.

“I still come down here quite a bit because I don’t live too far away.”

Australian Andre has supported the Pride of Britain Awards for the past few years and is campaigning with the team on a tour of the UK in an effort to get people to put forward nominations.

His presence proved popular, with the entrance to the pier flooded with fans queuing to get photographed with him.

While he was there he enjoyed some of the famed pier doughnuts and joked with fans, letting them wear his sunglasses and taking pictures.

He also filmed a birthday message for someone over the phone.

Andre, who owned coffee shops in Brighton and East Grinstead, was keen to get people to cast their nominations for the awards, highlighting the importance of recognising people’s achievements.

His attitude rubbed off on those who came along.

Helen Trendall, from Portslade, said: “Pride of Britain is really important to bring people together.

“It gives us a chance to raise awareness and acknowledge the amazing things people do.”

Marc Thorley, marketing manager for the Palace Pier, echoed these views.

He said: “The Pride of Britain team asked if they could come down and use the pier as their venue.

“It is nice to be involved with the campaign and it brings the community together.

“We hope that the people of Brighton will have a chance of winning some of the awards.”

The Pride of Britain Awards will be shown on ITV on October 31 at Grosvenor House in London. Nominees can be of any age.