A FAMILY has paid tribute to a man who died in a car crash.

Christian Martin, 27, of Shaw Close, Hastings, died in a crash on the A2100 Battle to Hastings road on Monday.

He was killed when his Honda Civic was in collision with a Land Rover Discovery between Telham and Hastings at 10.27pm.

Mr Martin was born in Derbyshire before moving to Sussex in the early 1990s, attending Maynards Green School and then Heathfield Community College.

Police said his family are "deeply shocked and saddened by their sudden loss".

In a statement his family said: "Christian had a love for heavy metal music and cars.

"He was close to his family and very family-orientated. He was also a practical joker and loved playing pranks on his family and friends. He has two young nieces who adored their uncle.

"He was very close to his father who sadly died in April. They undertook many practical projects together including restoring an old car and undertaking DIY projects. They were not only father and son, but also best friends.

"Christian worked as an engineer in Hastings. He was a perfectionist and had recently been rewarded with a pay rise for his hard work. Aside from his friendly, competitive banter he had a heart of gold and was a very caring person.

"Christian was very close to his girlfriend Katie who was studying in Ireland. When they met it was love at first sight. She was completing her internship in nursing and was planning on moving back to the UK so they could be together."

Funeral arrangements will be released at a later date.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the crash or anyone with information about it to come forward.

Email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Lowden.