Colleagues and relatives have paid tribute to a trainee teacher killed in a head-on road crash.

Matthew Sands, 31, of Churchill Way, Burgess Hill, was well known for his work with the Mid Sussex Christian Centre in Loylands Road.

He graduated in July with a first in history from the University of Sussex and was studying for his teaching certificate.

Mr Sands died on Tuesday at 6pm when his car was in collision with a lorry at the Dial Post junction on the A24 at Horsham.

His mother Leslie Sands said: "He was such a wonderful fellow. What else can you say? He was always kind and thoughtful and had so much love to give people.

"Obviously he was very attached to young people having worked at the Christian centre with the youth groups there."

Mr Sands, a keen Albion fan, also leaves his stepfather James, four sisters and girlfriend Hannah.

He grew up in Burgess Hill and attended to Manor Field primary school and Lewes Old Grammar School before taking his A-levels at Haywards Heath College.

He worked with young people through the Christian centre before taking his degree.

He also spent some time working at the Chailey Heritage Hospital in the department which makes artificial limbs and was a keen historian.

Mr Sands organised assemblies and helped at local schools, including Oakmeeds in Burgess Hill and Warden Park in Cuckfield.

Warden Park assistant head Rob Stoneley said: "He was a very capable, professional young man, very good with the students. He had an impact on the lives of many of the children. I have no doubt he would have made an excellent teacher."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident and anyone with information should call PC Lewis at Horsham Traffic on 0845 6070999.