Friends and relatives were today mourning a rugby linesman who died after collapsing on the touchline during a match.

They said Alistair Orr-Ewing, of Summerdown Close, Durrington, Worthing, was a generous and outgoing character.

Father-of-two Mr Orr-Ewing, 52, collapsed 20 minutes into the game between Worthing Rugby Club and Brighton in Angmering on Saturday.

Paramedics fought to revive him but he was pronounced dead at Worthing Hospital shortly afterwards.

His brother Hamish, who travelled from Bristol to be with his family yesterday, said Mr Orr-Ewing lived for rugby and had given up much of his time to encourage young players.

He said: "He was a man who got things organised. He sat on all the committees and got involved in coaching the youngsters. He had been awarded their club member of the year."

Mr Orr-Ewing worked for Barclays Bank. He moved to Worthing from Plymouth 15 years ago.

Rugby club chairman Allan Imrie said: "All of the club members are terribly upset and the junior members gave a one-minute silence in his honour. It was quite emotional."

Play was halted for 20 minutes at the pitch in Roundstone Lane, Angmering, while efforts were made to revive Mr Orr-Ewing The game was switched to another pitch and players were told he had lost his fight for life after the match.

Mr Imrie said the Worthing side had given a fitting tribute to one of their firmest supporters with a 24-nil win.

He said the club would offer support to Mr Orr-Ewing's son David, 19, daughter Alice, 21 and wife Shan.

Under-15s coach Paul Whittall said: "He was a tremendous advocate for youth rugby and rugby in Sussex."