Tributes have been offered to a dedicated hospital consultant who died suddenly despite efforts by colleagues to save his life.

Andrew White, 45, worked in the department of medicine for the elderly at Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust.

Dr White, who was well known and liked by staff and patients at both hospitals, died last Thursday.

He collapsed at home and was brought to the emergency department at Worthing Hospital, where attempts were made to resuscitate him. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

Dr White, who lived in Worthing, leaves a wife and two children.

Trust chief executive Roger Greene said: "He was an outstanding doctor with a real passion for his work and dedication to his patients.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the trust are with his family at this difficult time."

Dr White's friend and colleague Roger Tozer said: "Dr White's hallmark was his energy and enthusiasm. He held the deepest commitment to his work with the elderly and this tragic loss will be felt greatly.

"He always had time for other members of staff and always championed the cause of older people within the health service. He will be deeply missed."

Dr White joined the trust as a consultant in 1993 from Southampton Hospitals, where he had been a senior registrar.

Prior to this, having trained at Guys medical school in London, he also held a variety of hospital posts in Kent, Ipswich, London, Eastbourne and Jersey.

He accepted the position of clinical director for the department of medicine for the elderly in March 1995.

His funeral will take place at Worthing crematorium next Wednesday at 1.30pm and is open to all.