A roofer described as "the life and soul of the party" died after a fire broke out while he slept.

Dave Ward, of Raleigh Crescent, Worthing, took a week-long job on the Isle of Wight to help him save enough money to go on holiday with his girlfriend.

But on his first night at a cottage in North Appleford, near Chale on the island, a blaze broke out which claimed the 24-year-old's life.

The former Durrington High School student is believed to have fallen asleep on the sofa when a candle which had been left burning set fire to the room.

His body was found by firefighters in the home's kitchen in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

It is thought he had been trying to escape through the back door but collapsed before he got there.

A fellow roofer staying in the same cottage survived after jumping out of a first floor window.

Dave's brother, Graham Ward, 21, of Northcourt Road, Worthing, said: "He was my brother but he was also my best mate.

"No-one ever had a bad word to say about Dave. He was the kind of guy no-one ever forgets.

"He was always the one handing out the beers and if you walked around town with him you would be amazed about how many people he stopped and chatted to and knew.

"So many people have called me upset since it happened - no-one wants to believe it is true. It is a testament to how popular he was.

"We always used to joke that he could fall asleep anywhere, standing up leaning against a speaker in a nightclub sleeping. I just can't believe this has happened."

Dave played for two football teams - East Preston Football Club and pub team the Goring Whistle - and was training at Chichester College to be a plumber.

He leaves behind parents Julie and Charlie Ward, brothers Graham, and Jamie, 25, and girlfriend of four years Erica Gardener.

There will be a private funeral for family and close friends at Worthing Crematorium on Friday May 25 followed by a thanksgiving service open to everyone at Maybridge Community Church at 10am.

Anyone wanting to give flowers are asked to instead donate money for two charities - Cancer Research and Diabetes UK.

An inquest was due to be opened and adjourned this morning.

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