A man who went on hunger strike to save an historic theatre from closure has died aged 77.

Michael Wilson formed a death pact with his brother Roy after Worthing Borough Council withdrew funding from the town's Connaught Theatre in 1986.

They vowed to drink only water until the council did a U-turn.

The Wilsons made headlines worldwide as their weight plummeted during the fast, which lasted for 46 days.

Film camerman Michael lost two stone and almost slipped into a coma before the council reversed its decision and pumped in £250,000 to refurbish the Union Place venue, which reopened in December, 1986.

Actor and writer Roy, of Ambrose Place, Worthing, died of heart failure in 1989, aged 55.

It is said his last words were: "Thank God the Connaught is still there."

Michael is survived by his wife, June, who lives in London. H. D. Tribe Ltd, of Broadwater Road, is making the funeral arrangements. It is expected there will be a service in Christ Church, Worthing, followed by burial alongside Roy at Durrington Cemetery, Worthing, and possibly a wake at the Connaugh Theatre.