Gay Pride chairman Andy Dunton was receiving visitors in hospital today where he is recovering from a homophobic stabbing.

Friends said he was talking but still in pain.

The recently-elected chairman of the Pride Brighton and Hove committee was wounded in the stomach and arm as he walked along a footpath between Madeira Drive and Marine Parade near Brighton Marina at 2.30am on Monday.

One visitor said Mr Dunton told how he was confronted by hooded robbers who stole jewellery and cash.

Mr Dunton was stabbed in a scuffle and the jewellery was discarded.

Mr Dunton, 38, received emergency surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, and his condition was said to be stable.

Police are treating the attack as homophobic.

Mr Dunton is the lead figure for this year's annual gay Pride Festival on August 10.