A mother spoke today of the loss of her son, who died in a cycling accident.

Andrew Faulding, 33, was riding down a steep hill in Coldean Lane, Brighton, when he was involved in a collision with a pedestrian.

Mr Faulding, a teacher, flew off his bike and crashed to the ground, suffering severe head injuries.

He died at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, yesterday, 36 hours after the accident.

His mother, Dorothy, speaking from her home in Birkenshaw, near Bradford, said: "I know it is always said at times like this but he truly did bring us nothing but pride and joy.

"He was precious and never put a foot wrong. We are all devastated."

Mr Faulding, who lived in Walpole Terrace, Brighton, was wearing a helmet as he travelled at about 30mph when the pedestrian emerged from his left.

An off-duty policeman driving up the hill saw the pedestrian and was worried an accident might happen but had no time to warn Mr Faulding.

The pedestrian suffered a fractured sternum and wrists. He was recovering at home today.

Mr Faulding, who had been teaching at a school in Hove for the past two years, had been due to move next month to a school in St Albans, where he had been appointed head of economics.

Mrs Faulding, who has another son and two daughters, said: "Andrew liked all sports - he was a Leeds fan - but he especially loved cycling.

"He always wore the right gear and a helmet - he was always so careful."