A man killed with a friend in a car crash has given others the chance of life.

Steven Penfold, 21, carried a donor card and his parents agreed doctors could use parts of his body to help others.

Mr Penfold, a BT sales manager, of Moorcroft Close, West Green, Crawley, crashed his Renault Laguna just outside Brighton as he and Timothy Burtenshaw, 19, of Hill Mead, Gossops Green, Crawley, were heading to the coast after a night clubbing in Crawley.

Mr Burtenshaw died at the scene, Mr Penfold at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

His heart, a kidney and part of his liver have already been used in transplants.

His father Stephen said: "I'm glad about that - to know parts of Steve are still alive even though they are in someone else.

"It is a comfort to know Steve is still around and he has given others a chance."

Their families today paid tribute to the "smiling, happy and kind" friends who lived for music and football.

Mr Penfold, educated at Holy Trinity School, Gossops Green, loved clubbing and had a wide circle of friends.

A Crystal Palace fan, he had played football for Ifield 49s, then run by his father. His parents, who have a catering business, his girlfriend Fern, 18, sister Anita, 37, and brothers Ian, 39, Trevor, 25, and Christopher, 23, said they were devastated by the tragedy.

His father said: "Steve was polite, full of life and loved his car and music. He was sensible and he and Timothy would take turns to drive so one could drink."

Mr Penfold said he felt some guilt because he had paid the deposit on his son's car: "I wish I hadn't now but l know life is full of ifs and buts.

He said: "Our lives are shattered at the moment but the support we've had from friends, neighbours and relatives has been really nice."

Timothy Burtenshaw, who went to Copthorne Preparatory School, Reigate Grammar and Reigate College, died moments after the crash and his organs could not be saved.

He played in a school rugby team and later for Crawley Rugby Club.

A music lover, he played clarinet in the Crawley Millennium Concert Band which is planning a memorial performance.

A sympathy card read: "Tim was a popular and valued member of the band. His never-ending smile, enthusiasm and support will be missed by us all and never forgotten."

He worked as a van salesman for his parents' company, Rose Auto Supplies, of Crawley.

Flowers and messages of sympathy have flooded into their home. His parents took flowers to Steven's parents' home to express sympathy and show they did not blame Steven for their son's death.

Mr Burtenshaw, 57, said: "Tim was a great Liverpool fan and had many friends, more than we knew of. Some were here the other night, crying their eyes out. Life has stopped for them.

"We don't know how we will cope but we've got our daughter Michelle.

"Tim was a sweet lad, a real character, and everyone is absolutely gutted."

Mr Burtenshaw, who recently suffered a heart attack, visited the crash site and found his son's watch and driving licence.

His wife Gail, 46, said: "I've asked myself how will I feel in the next 40 years of my life, when Tim should have been here, when we're old and grey."

No funeral arrangements have been made but Mr and Mrs Burtenshaw hope their son's ashes will be kept at nearby Snell Hatch Crematorium.

His father said: "It will be nice to know he is close and we and his friends can visit him."

An investigation into the cause of the crash was continuing and police appealed for witnesses.