FRIENDS and family of “one of Brighton’s great characters” paid tribute to his memory at a mural installation.

The mural to Derrick ‘The Perv’ Furnival, who died in September last year, was unveiled at the Hotel Selina in Kings Road.

The installation, created by the Brighton art collective The Postman, depicts Mr Furnival in a cowboy hat - which he often wore.

A crowdfunder, set up to create the installation, raised more than £2,500 - with money leftover being donated to the animal welfare charity Blue Cross, chosen by his family.

The Argus: Friends and family of Mr Furnival gathered for the installation of the muralFriends and family of Mr Furnival gathered for the installation of the mural

Steve Moore, who came up with the idea for the mural to remember Mr Furnival, said: “After the shock of Derrick’s untimely passing last year, it saddened me to think I’d never see his cheeky smile or hear his gentle mocking anymore.

“I liked the idea of his life-size image around town, keeping him around longer and watching over people.

“It’s been a group effort between a few of us to keep this memory alive in The Postman’s style and with his family’s blessing.

“We hope it raises a smile as people pass by it.”

The Argus: The mural was created by the Brighton art collective The PostmanThe mural was created by the Brighton art collective The Postman

Tim Jeffery, who knew Mr Furnival, said that anyone in Brighton whose life involved clubbing over the past 40 years would have met him.

He said: “Whether he was in punk regalia, topless with nipple piercings and chains, or in one of his trademark cowboy hats, he was a force of nature.

“Affable, mischievous, great fun to be with, always laughing, you could not fail to warm to him.

“There was no part of the live music scene he didn’t have an impact in, whether it be lead singer of Betrayed to tour manager extraordinaire, festival stage manager and a perennial guest list organiser.

“Derrick touched the lives of many thousands of people. He was the most loyal and reliable friend you could possibly have; a true gent, kind, and with a big heart.

“He was a part of the fabric of Brighton and he leaves a hole in so many people’s lives, as well as the city itself. It will never be the same without him.”