A champion windsurfer's family and friends held a vigil on the beach near where he was lost at sea.

The father of 21-year-old Andy Funnell threw a bunch of flowers into the water where his son fell from his jet ski.

Afterwards, Jonathon Funnell said: "He is flying free now. His spirit will live on forever."

Family members and friends held each other on Seaford beach and looked out as a windsurfing display was put on in memory of the young ace, who is presumed drowned.

No trace of Mr Funnell's body has been found despite a huge air-sea operation. A search by police divers was called off because of bad weather.

Windsurfers from across the world travelled to Seaford, placed floral tributes and spoke of a young man with everything to live for.

Twelve-times British champion Guy Cribb said: "It's terrible to know someone so talented has been taken away so young. We're all feeling devastated."

Former champion Nick Baker said: "This has taught us all that you should live life to the full and never put anything off until tomorrow that can be done today.

"That is what Andy did and we should all learn from that.

"We have just got to go out and enjoy ourselves while we can."

Former Seaford Head Community College pupil Andy, from Seaford, was riding a jet ski in calm conditions when he fell off at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

A friend on the beach realised he had fallen beneath the surface and dialled 999.

Lifeboatmen said Andy was wearing only a pair of shorts and had no life jacket or wetsuit.

He was considered one of Britain's brightest young windsurfing prospects.

He won £1,500 when he came first in the UK Windsurfing Association's indoor jump contest at the London Boat Show in front of 1,500 people.

His sponsors included leading sports manufacturer Animal.

The tragedy has renewed calls for tighter regulations of jet skis.

At present, guidelines are set by local authorities which jet-skiers must abide by.

But there have been demands for a toughening up of the rules, with some calling for jet ski driving tests to be introduced.

Anne Westcott, of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: "Whether that will ever come to pass is unknown but certainly there have been strong calls for it."