A signalman tragically took his own life at a level crossing.

Matthew Golbey, 24, from Peacehaven, had been struggling with financial issues before he was struck by a train at a level crossing in Firle, near Lewes.

An inquest at Eastbourne Coroner's Court heard the father-of-one had worked for the railway for six years, before he died on Friday, September 22 last year.

His mum Louise Virgo said her son had taken out loans to pay debts and use to gamble at the casino and online in the past, but he since seemed happy.

However in September last year she had become worried about his financial situation again, and said she knew something was wrong when he returned home in Hoddern Avenue on September 21.

The next day Mrs Virgo woke to find her son's room empty, before receiving a text around 5.36am telling her he was going to take his own life.

The signalman was struck by a train at Ripe Level crossing in Firle Road, West Firle, between Polegate and Lewes railway stations.

Pathologist Dr David Wright said his death would have been instantaneous after being hit by the 90mph train.

Police later found the signalman's black Mercedes parked at a layby near the level crossing.

The line's closure caused major disruption for commuters with no trains running between Lewes and Eastbourne that morning and replacement bus services.

East Sussex senior coroner Alan Craze said: "There is no scope for any doubt whatsoever, and the conclusion will very sadly be he took his own life.

"Having done this job for a long time I have a good idea of how devastating something like this would be for people close to him.

"I would like to disclose my condolences to you."

A crowdfunding page launched after the former Peacehaven Community School pupil's death raised £630 to go towards his two-year-old son Mason.

A tribute on the Just Giving Page from Mr Golbey's father, Mark, said: "Mason's daddy and my son Matthew Golbey was taken from us at the age of 24 and with Mason not even being two-years-old.

"He will not remember what a brilliant relationship the pair of them had during the short time that they were together, they were inseparable.

"Matthew had a great career ahead of him working for Network Rail as a signalman, who had built up a great circle of friends and work collegues, who like the rest of us and his family couldn't believe the tragic news."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story please contact The Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.