The widow of a theatre hunger striker who made headlines all over the world has paid tribute to his self-sacrifice.

Michael Wilson, who recently died at the age of 77, formed a death pact with his brother Roy after Worthing Borough Council withdrew funding from the town's Connaught Theatre in 1986. They fasted for 46 days, forcing the council into a dramatic U-turn.

Michael's widow, June, of Westminster, London, said: "I had to witness the strain of Michael not eating for so long.

"The brothers got worldwide coverage and many letters of support from actors and other famous people such as Sir David Frost.

"It was a huge and momentous thing. But Michael and Roy loved the Connaught. They were devoted to it."

She added: "I thought it was fantastic and supported them wholeheartedly. I am very very proud of Michael. They were very gaunt at the end of it. It was very nerve-wracking but I would never have dissuaded them."

June said that without the Connaught, Worthing would have lost its prestige.

During his fast 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.

His funeral will take place at Christ Church, Grafton Road, Worthing, on Tuesday, April 4, at 2pm. His body will then be buried alongside his brother's at Durrington Cemetery, Worthing.

The funeral will be followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Connaught.

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.