TRIBUTES poured in yesterday for “tireless” east London campaigner Nicholas Russell who has died suddenly of a suspected heart attack at the age of 45.

The Unison activist, co-operator, ex-local councillor and disability and peace campaigner was described as a “champion and a fighter” by those who had worked beside him.

“Shocked and saddened” Islington North MP and Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament vice-chairman Jeremy Corbyn joined the tributes, recalling Mr Russell’s opposition to Nato membership and Britain’s WMD programme.

“As a worker and campaigner he was very effective, ensuring that many people’s lives were radically improved by access and changed attitudes by employers and public services,” Mr Corbyn said.

In a Facebook tribute Waltham Forest deputy council leader Clyde Loakes said: “Nick leaves legacies and achievements across some many different agendas and impacting on so many lives and organisations.

“It was an honour and a privilege to have known you.”

Mr Russell was the grandson of Bertrand Russell, who was also a renowned campaigner against nuclear weapons.