A teenage hit-and-run victim from East Sussex has given hope to the seriously ill.

Gary Finch, 18, of Ninfield Road, Bexhill, died four days after being struck by a car.

His family has revealed that he carried a donor card and his major organs have already been matched with several patients on the waiting list.

Gary, an apprentice diesel engineer, had been walking in Upper Park Road, St Leonards, when he was hit by a silver Renault 19 saloon car, registration J592 GGU, just before 9pm last Friday.

He was transferred to the intensive care unit at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings but died from head injuries.

Gary's family, including father Ron, 38, Annette, 39, and his 16-year-old sister Nichola, had kept a bedside vigil.

The teenager had attended Robertsbridge Community College up until he was 16 before becoming an apprentice diesel engineer at Sidley-based Serco.

Mr Finch, also of Ninfield Road, Bexhill, said donating Gary's main organs meant some good could emerge from the tragedy that has left his loved-ones devastated.

He said: "We're pleased that some good has come out of this mess because it is difficult to comprehend."

Police have recovered the car which hit Gary. Three people arrested in connection with his death are on bail pending further inquiries. No one had been charged.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Operation Date team on 0845 6070999.