A postman has died two weeks after he was in a crash with a lorry while riding his bike home from work.

Paul Lawson was rushing home to meet his wife when he was in a collision with the haulage vehicle in Tarring Road, Worthing.

A postman for 23 years, he died on Sunday after doctors decided there was nothing they could do to save him and the family agreed to switch off his life support machine.

Sue Lawson, his wife, said: "He was hoping to retire next year. He loved cycling. Even when he wasn't working he was always going off for bike rides.

"I think the worst part is that when he went into hospital there wasn't a mark on him yet his injuries were so terrible. They tried so hard to save him."

Police are investigating the accident and are appealing for witnesses to the incident on Monday, March 6, just after 2pm.

Well known in the Tarring area of Worthing, Mr Lawson was a regular at The Vine pub and a member of the Cissbury Division of Morris Dancers.

Mrs Lawson said: "He used to be a Morris Dancer and a clog dancer as well before he became too old for it. He loved his music - Sixties and Seventies especially.

"We were living in a little country road in Kent and I was talking to a neighbour one day, who hadn't told me her husband was a Morris Dancer, when he walked out in full costume.

"I told Paul I bet he'd like that so he joined in. It was a nice little hobby, and then he began playing bowls in the last few years.

"He loved cricket. He didn't play it but used to go to Arundel to watch it. He was very sociable. He didn't like his own company but he loved everyone else's."

Mr Lawson was born in Ferring. The couple met at a party in Bromley, Kent, and moved to Worthing in 1986.

Married for 32 years, they had recently returned from a walking holiday on the Isle of Wight. They have two daughters - Jo, 29, who now lives in Queenstown, New Zealand, and Kate, 26, from Hove.

Mrs Lawson said: "He always lived in this area, though we both had Yorkshire roots and were planning on living there when he retired.

"We're both members of the National Trust and loved walking. He was a fit man, it's so sad.

"He was coming home from work and it was my half day so he was rushing home to see me. He was still in his uniform when the accident happened.

"He was on a bike so he didn't stand a chance. People have told me it's a busy road so there should be more witnesses."

Mr Lawson was taken to Worthing and Southlands Hospital but later transferred to the neurology department at Hurstwood Park, Haywards Heath.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "He had been with us at Worthing delivery office for many years and we are all very shocked by his tragic death.

"He was a very popular member of the team and will be greatly missed."

Mrs Lawson has asked that any donations should go to the Hurstwood Park League of Friends.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 0845 6070999.