SHOCKED friends have paid tribute to a "fantastic and tireless campaigner" from Millom, who has died two months after playing a leading role in a town's inaugural gay pride event. 

Many people met Darren Batey when he was volunteers manager for Bolton's first LGBT event held between October 16 and 18 in the town to great acclaim.

He has died at the age of 32.

Antony Cotton, who stars in Coronation Street, tweeted his condolences as did Wes Streeting, the Labour MP for Ilford North in London who knew Mr Batey through their time at the National Union of Students.

Mr Batey, was an ambassador at One Young World and worked with a number of other causes including The Albert Kennedy Trust.

He hosted a birthday fundraising dinner in September in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research, Dementia UK, Toffs and Manchester Children's Hospital.

Bolton Pride co-organiser James Edgington was one of those who expressed their sadness via social media.