THE RNLI have paid tribute to a long-serving volunteer who was killed in a crash.

David Dawson, from Worthing, died following the crash on A272 near Cowfold on Monday, March 28.

The “hugely popular” 83-year-old was a volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI and his colleagues said everyone at the lifeboat station has been “deeply saddened” by his death.

A spokesman said: “David held numerous volunteer roles at the boathouse, including shop volunteer, boathouse manager and latterly as a member of the visits team.

“In this role, David showed the public, local schools, youth and adult organisations around the lifeboat station, where he told them all about the work of Littlehampton RNLI and important sea safety messages.

“He'll be remembered for his infectious smile, inexhaustible knowledge of the RNLI and his friendly interaction with everyone who visited the lifeboat station.”

The Argus: The scene of the crash on the A272The scene of the crash on the A272

David was a keen golfer and a fan of Sheffield United Football Club.

Nick White, Littlehampton RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘We were deeply saddened to learn of David's death.

"He was a regular presence at our lifeboat station where he held several roles.

"He was cheerful and liked a chuckle – and took boathouse banter in his stride. We'll miss him.

The Argus: The air ambulance at the scene of the crashThe air ambulance at the scene of the crash

"Our thoughts are with his family, and with the families of the other victims of this awful accident."

David leaves his two sons, four grandchildren and sister.

His family described him as “a much loved father and a popular friend to all who knew him”.

His funeral was held on Friday, April 22 at Worthing Crematorium.

A woman, 30-year-old Aimee Williams from Aylesford, Kent, also died in the crash, which involved silver Ford Fiesta, a white Ford Fiesta, and a Skania tipper truck.

Two other women, both aged 23, were seriously injured, but Sussex Police said they are recovering well.

Two air ambulances were called to the scene, along with road ambulances, the fire service and police.

The road was closed into the evening while officers carried out an investigation.

Police investigating the collision are appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward by emailing: collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quoting Operation Banwell.