TRIBUTES have been paid to a proud Brummie known as the Summer Lane Kid for his passionate campaign to keep the Hockley neighbourhood’s past alive.

Friends and relatives of Brian Harding, 69, said he will be remembered for setting up the Summer Laners Society.

The group aimed to preserve one of Birmingham’s oldest and longest roads.

The father-of-three, and grandfather of 10, lived with wife Brenda in Quinton.

But he was born in Summer Lane, in the heart of the city, and wrote a book of poetry all about the place where he grew up.

The proud working class area was renowned for its neighbourliness, kinship and great sense of belonging.

Brian spent years campaigning to preserve the street’s historic buildings.

And in 2007 he opened the Summer Lane Arts Crafts and Heritage Centre.

The centre was forced to close a few months ago when Brian’s health deteriorated.

He died last week from emphysema and asbestosis.