Animal rights champ was 'one in a million'

FRIENDS of an animal rights campaigner who died after an accident at work have paid tribute to him.

Ray Jessop, of St George's Road, west Hull, has been described by those who knew him as an "immense personality with a passionate commitment to honesty and fairness."

The 53-year-old is believed to have fallen from a ladder while decorating a house in Cranswick Grove, East Hull, on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Jessop, affectionately described as "the oldest hippie in town" by fellow activists, was a fervent animal welfare campaigner.

Liz Brown, from Scunthorpe, was Ray's best friend of over 10 years and a fellow campaigner. She said: "He was absolutely one in a million.

"He was very kind and gentle, honest and genuine. You couldn't wish to meet a nicer person.

"He was compassionate and respectful, I don't know anybody else like him, he was so unique."

Another long-term friend, Steve Broom of Ings Road Estate, east Hull, met Ray at a protest against the live export of veal in 1996.

He said: "He was very much loved by everybody who met him and people are devastated by what has happened."

Ray was raised in Hull as one of five children and grew up to be a man of many interests who lived according to his principles.

His friend of 15 years Ian Holmes said: "To me he was a campaigner, a vegan who championed animal rights, but to others he was a trades unionist, an enthusiastic music lover, a family member, a scooter enthusiast, teepee owner and neo-pagan."

His family have been informed of his death and are planning a 'green' funeral in keeping with his beliefs.

Mr Jessop stated in his will he did not wish to be remembered with sadness.