A gay club has re-opened its doors in Kingston more than a year after its owner died.

Escape Nightclub closed last October after the ill-health of its managing director Martin Church, who died two months later from cancer.

The club, on London Road, reopened on Friday, December 2, with a launch party.

Moira Gill, part of the new management of the club, said there would be a separate celebration of Mr Church’s life later in the month.

She said: “It closed over a year ago in very sad circumstances. Obviously Martin had been ill for some time and it was decided the club had to close.

“After that he passed away which was very sad for his family and his partner.”

She paid tribute to Mr Church saying: “We have heard he was a lovely guy and enjoyed coming down here with his friends and it was a real community.

“He was loved by many people.”

Former members who knew Mr Church will be invited to another event in December to remember his life.

She said: “The club was very loved by the former members was a great place for people to go in a safe environment where they could go and enjoy themselves.

“We have decided there was something lacking and it seemed a shame it had been shut.”