Tributes paid to swimmer who died by Brighton pier

A man who died after getting into difficulty in the sea near Brighton Pier was "a beautiful dad" who "brought so much good into this world", his friends said.

Jonathan Lovett, 51, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, died after getting into difficulty in the sea near Brighton's Palace Pier on New Year's Day, Sussex Police said.

He "touched the lives of everyone he met through his infectious laughter and sheer joy", his friends wrote on a JustGiving fundraising page.

They said Lovett worked as a journalist and writer and was also "passionate" about amateur dramatics.

Nick Golding, a friend and former colleague of Lovett, said he was "one of the most exuberant, colourful, creative people you could imagine".

"He was someone who didn't take himself too seriously," Golding said.

"He was an inspirational person that lit up a room when he walked into it, so we are all in an immense state of shock".

Jessie Mullins, a member of Brighton Swimming Club, who was on the beach when the incident took place told BBC South East: "It's very shocking and it is sad."

The swimming club is close to where the incident happened and she said some members were part of the attempt to rescue Lovett.

"We as a club swim here all the time, but even the most experienced cold water swimmers or sea swimmers can still get caught out," she said.

"Shingle beaches can be very dangerous especially when you've got high waves."

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