An animal lover who campaigned in Asia to stop people eating dogs has died aged 59.

John Hughes lived in Brighton for 30 years before moving to the Philippines where he set up an animal sanctuary and launch the “No to Dog Meat” campaign.

Friends and family accompanied him in hospital in the country while he awaited brain surgery to remove a tumour. The operation went well but he caught pneumonia after the operation and died on October 17.

He was born in Stafford but moved south to be by the sea and follow his creative dreams as an artist.

He was well-known in Brighton for driving his dog Woody around on his Yamaha XT500 motorbike.

His diverse career included work as a motor racing mechanic at Brands Hatch, a period as a policeman – following in his father’s footsteps – an airline steward as well as a keen and talented artist and an enthusiastic campaigner.

After Woody died Mr Hughes travelled the world visiting animal sanctuaries and settled in the Philippines in 2006. He founded the charity Dogs Mountain which looked after dogs rescued from the meat trade. By spring last year there were 250 at the shelter and since his campaigning the dog meat trade has been made illegal in the country.

His girlfriend Yuri Sebusa, who he was due to marry this year, will run the sanctuary, which is open to visitors.

Deborah Dalton, a neighbour when Mr Hughes lived in Brunswick Square and a close friend, said: “John was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary life. He had a real passion and love for animals and was a man of real conviction and never had any prejudice.”

Mrs Dalton, who now lives in Hurstpierpoint, said: “He was cared for exceptionally well in Asia.

“Although his life has been cut short, his legacy at Dogs Mountain continues on thanks to the support given by hundreds of supporters around the world.”

An informal memorial to honour Mr Hughes will take place at The Alibi pub in Victoria Terrace, Hove, from 7pm, on Friday.

To donate or pay a tribute visit dogsmountain.com and watch a video about Mr Hughes, known as the ‘Dog Whisperer’ at theargus.co.uk.