A memorial service is to be held for a man killed in an avalanche on a skiing trip.

Robert Usborne, who grew up in Chailey, died after being swept away by tons of snow in the Canadian Rockies.

The father-of-two had been enjoying a holiday with his wife Gilly when the accident happened. She escaped unhurt.

Mr Usborne, 46, went to Cumnor House School, Danehill, and Eastbourne College before reading philosophy at Cambridge University.

Villagers in Chailey say his parents, James and Rosemary, who have lived in there for more than 40 years, are devastated by his death.

Ian Henderson, a friend of the family, said: "It was a terrible accident which has knocked the family sideways.

"It's absolutely devastating. He was such a nice man, bright and clean living and he always worked hard to look after his family."

One of Mr Usborne's friends suffered a broken leg, hip and arm in the avalanche and another, a GP, was swept away by the snow but was not injured.

It is believed the doctor tried to resuscitate Mr Usborne but he died from multiple injuries after being airlifted to hospital.

Mr Usborne, who was a co-owner and director of a London-based furniture company, was cremated in Canada but a service of thanksgiving will be held at Chailey Parish Church next Thursday.