TRIBUTES have poured in for the ambassador of a community-run pub who is remembered for his “amazing character”.

Kevin Morris from Moulsecoomb died last week after a fall.

The 57-year-old who was partially blind, was described as a kind-hearted and resilient man who loved life.

Warren Cater, chairman of The Bevendean in Hillside, Brighton, said he will be greatly missed.

He said: “I had known Kevin for four years since the pub was opened.

“We chose him to be our ambassador because he was kind-hearted, good natured and was always welcoming to customers.

“We have customers coming from across the country and the world. They have all said they loved talking to Kevin because he was polite and friendly.

“The role really suited him, he made a lot of international visitors feel welcome.

“He was partially blind and he had suffered a stroke, which meant he had to quit his job in Sainsbury’s.

“But that didn’t stop him from enjoying life. At the Bevy he really loved dressing up.

“There was an influx of tributes on our Facebook page, this clearly shows the measure of a man.”

Kevin was an avid antique collector and enjoyed bargain hunting.

His dedication to The Bevy was so great he bought 200 copies of The Argus in the hope it would win the paper’s Pub of the Year competition by handing out the vouchers to customers last year.

Kevin had never stopped promoting the pub, as he believed it is the most outstanding pub in the city. He once told The Argus: “I just want to do my bit to help The Bevy win the competition.

“It is such a friendly place with a great atmosphere, and everyone who works there really deserves to win the award.”

The Bevy opened in December 2014. It is a non-profit, community-run pub owned by shareholders rather than a brewery, and its workers are also volunteers or shareholders rather than employees.

Helen Jones, a member of the pub, said: “Kevin was an interesting and many layered man who coped with a lot of adversity with humour and courage.

“He was The Bevy’s chosen ambassador and didn’t miss an opportunity to say what a difference it had made to his life to have a place where he felt welcome and safe.

“He was very much part of the pub and the ethos of the Bevy. His vulnerability brought out the best in people and between us, the locals always made sure he got home safely.”

Father John Wall, former vicar at St Andrew’s Church in Moulsecoomb, said: “I had known Kevin for four years. I first met him at the opening of The Bevendean where he was singing carols and since then he became a regular at the congregation. He was an amazing character. Kevin had lived with some challenges, but was always positive and grateful.

“He was very popular in the Moulsecoomb community, he knew the place so well and he was a huge part of The Bevy and St Andrew’s. He was great fun and very popular. We will always miss Kevin.”