A woman has paid tribute to her husband who was killed as he cycled over a level crossing.

Businessman David Dees, 52, from Bexhill, died after being hit by a train on the crossing at Peverset Sluice, near Pevensey.

His wife Angela said: "David was a devoted father and extremely supportive of his two children.

"David's death has come as an incredible shock. He was fit, active and very young to have died. We are coping together as a family and giving each other love, strength and support."

The rail track was shut for two hours after the accident, which involved the 19.19 service between Hastings and Eastbourne.

Mr Dees ran a Ford dealership in Croydon, which had been set up by his grandfather Hubert more than 100 years ago.

Mrs Dees said: "Cars were in his blood. They were not just his living, they were his great passion."

He sold the business five years ago and set up a passenger transport firm based at Gatwick.

He moved to Sussex a year ago after separating from his wife, who lives in Taunton.

They had been married for 30 years.

The accident happened at about 7.30pm on Saturday, June 5.

An inquest was opened and adjourned on Tuesday.