A MUCH-LOVED hotel owner and magistrate who was once photographed for The Argus seemingly nude in a jacuzzi has died.

Audrey Simpson, nee Hallam, was the glamorous owner of Brighton’s first boutique hotel, The Granville, on the seafront.

The flamboyant businesswoman and former model worked tirelessly to support projects that would improve the city.

Born in September 17, 1935, Audrey grew up in Crewe.

She showed she was strong-willed at an early age.

When she was ten, she contracted tuberculosis and half of her lung had to be removed.

She spent a year in hospital where she thought she would die.

The Argus:

But she recovered and went on to study for a degree an anthropology at Bromley College.

She also studied at The London School of Economics and Political Science.

Audrey married David Simpson in July 1958 in Crewe and the couple later had two children, Becky and Karl.

Audrey lectured at Bromley but when she grew tired of teaching, she told her husband she wanted to buy a hotel.

In 1978 the family moved to Brighton after selling their house in London to buy The Granville, which was at the time a 16-bedroom guesthouse.

The talented businesswoman invested and expanded the hotel with facilities including jacuzzis and water beds.

She also ran a restaurant beneath the hotel called Trog.

After the death of her brother in 1987, Audrey decided to sell the hotel as she wanted to enjoy life.

She travelled the world and visited places including Australia, Vietnam, Austria, Morocco, South Africa and China.

Audrey was remembered by many as the tall, slim and elegant lady with her recognisable bob.

She was involved in many organisations and never stopped helping others.

After The Grand hotel bombing in 1984, Audrey opened her hotel as a base for journalists covering the attack.

The Argus:

Audrey, also described as selfless and exceptional, served as a magistrate for 28 years.

She was also an active member of the West Pier Trust, the Martlets fundraising committee, and the Regency Society, as well as serving as a trustee of the Gardner Arts Centre and as chairwoman of the Chamber of Commerce.

Even when she was 81, she still fought for improvements in her community.

One of her major achievements was supporting the i360.

Her friend, Frances McCabe, who nominated Audrey for an OBE, said: "It was typical of her tenacity and commitment that she stuck with the project to renovate this dilapidated area of Brighton for over 20 years.

"Her confidence in the project, which has been controversial, was rewarded.

"She ‘deferred’ her 80th birthday party until she was 81 in September 2016, so that she could have the celebrations on the i360."

A family statement read: “Mum belonged in Brighton, it was her spiritual home, she loved its elegance, vibrancy and diversity.

"She was a mover and a shaker and an avid volunteer but also a wonderful wife, mum and nana.”

Ms McCabe added: "Audrey was progressive, tenacious, funny, persuasive, and very stylish and glamorous.

"She was a role model for others.

"She relentlessly and generously shared her time, her contacts and her experience."

Audrey died on March 31 aged 83.