TRIBUTES have been paid to a “gentle giant” who was killed while driving along the Shoreham air crash diversion route.

Friends, work colleagues and former team-mates have all paid tribute to Rob Holland who died in a car crash on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old from Durrington was driving a blue Ford Fiesta when it collided with a silver Vauxhall Vectra on the A280 Long Furlong just after 6.30pm on Tuesday night.

The road is part of the official diversion around the A27 which has been closed since Saturday following the Shoreham Airshow disaster.

The road has seen almost 60 accidents in the past decade including eight serious crashes and now three fatal.

The road was closed again on Wednesday night following a crash at around 7pm which left a 73-year-old woman from Yapton with minor injuries.

Mr Holland had been completing a three-year apprenticeship at Sovereign Motors in Worthing having previously studied at Chatsmore Catholic High School.

He was also a keen athlete and a member of Worthing and District Harriers.

Friends and colleagues praised Mr Holland’s dedication to his family, including the work he did on his grandfather’s farm and mechanical work for his father.

It is thought he may have been travelling from his work in Canterbury Road to see his family when he was involved in the fatal crash.

Colleague and friend Lloyd Maio said: “He was just a one a million, you won’t find another like him.

“When he worked, he worked hard, but then when he went out he was amazing, great fun.”

Moira Maio, speaking on behalf of family-run Sovereign Motors, said: “He loved his work.

“He loved cars and working on cars and was a really good mechanic, very interested and very capable.

“He was a wonderful chap, you couldn’t have asked to meet a nicer chap.”

In a statement, Worthing and District Harriers athletics club also paid tribute: “It is with great sadness to pass on the news that our friend Robert Holland was involved in a fatal car crash on Tuesday evening.

“Bob has trained in the sprint group for the past three years, and always set the benchmark with his dedication to training.

“Our prayers and condolences are with his family and friends, rest in peace Bob your smile and laughter will be greatly missed.”