Ian Jessup, who led the protest group which was trying to save Coventry's Smithfield Hotel from the millennium bulldozers, has died suddenly.

Mr Jessup, a former local radio disc jockey, died in hospital. He was 43.

He collapsed in the Smithfield which he had been battling to save. The building is to be demolished as part of Coventry's £40 million millennium boulevard scheme.

Lynn Cusack, the licensee at the Smithfield said:

"He may be gone, but he is far from forgotten. I will make sure people remember what he did for this city.

"He was a Coventry kid through and through. He did everything to try to keep his city. We all feel guilty in a way because he did so much for us and the city he loved, but neglected himself."

Mr Jim Nolan, secretary of Godiva City Heritage which joined with Mr Jessup to protest about the city council's plans, said:

"I only knew him for a few weeks, but I was impressed by his energy and commitment to the cause. He will be sadly missed."