Friends gathered to plant a tree in memory of an Eastbourne man who was found dead in his town centre flat.

At first it was thought Paul Lilley, 36, had been stabbed to death in Cavendish Place last month but that was later discounted by police, who say his death was not suspicious.

Mr Lilley attended weekly meetings of mental health charity Mind at the Bourne Centre in Upper Avenue, Eastbourne, and friends and Mind volunteers gathered there to plant the liquid amber tree.

One friend, David Burt, said: "It was an honour to do something in memory of a man who taught me respect."

Mr Lilley was a member of Mind for more than two years, battling against alcoholism and mental health problems.

Group facilitator Mavis Heesom said: "He was a genuinely lovely man. Everyone misses him. Although he had a drink problem, he was much-loved and truly brilliant."