A daredevil pensioner who became the oldest person to abseil down cliffs at Peacehaven has died, aged 84.

Tommy Turner was a well-known character in Brighton, having been born in Kemp Town and living in Bear Road with his wife, Ivy, for more than 40 years.

Mr Turner served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War on the Atlantic convoys.

He had a colourful and energetic life and gained his head for heights working as a steeplejack. He also worked at the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean as a maintenance man when it was owned by Butlins.

When his wife's arthritis became too much for her to climb the steep Bear Road, the couple moved to Findon Road in Whitehawk. They had a daughter, Janet, who has her own business in Hove.

Mr Turner, a keen angler and member of the Deep Sea Anglers' Club, owned his own boat.

He was also a life member of the Stanmer Park Club, where he often volunteered his skills as a maintenance man, painter and decorator.

Mr Turner hit the headlines when he abseiled down cliffs in Peacehaven to raise money for charity, when he was 75, in 1994.

His wife now lives in sheltered accommodation in Patcham.

Mr Turner had to move to Portland House nursing home in Hove as his health declined.

He celebrated 63 years of marriage on Boxing Day but died at the nursing home on Friday, January 24.

His funeral was at the Downs Crematorium in Bear Road, Brighton, last Friday.

His daughter said: "He lived life to the full. He did so many things and lots of people knew him. He just wore out really."