Stabbing victim Peter Finch was a Mr Fixit who would never say no to people in need.

A close friend paid tribute to a "generous" widower who was a loving father to his 11-year-old son Ralph.

Mr Finch, 39, was stabbed on Monday night last week at his home in Dower Walk, Gossops Green, Crawley.

He was taken to East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, where he later died.

Sharron Sillitoe and Mr Finch became friends five years ago after both were struck by tragedy.

Her husband died and Mr Finch's wife Sandra was killed when she was hit by a car.

Ms Sillitoe, who lives with her teenage child in Maidenbower, Crawley, said she and Mr Finch were drawn together but remained just friends.

She said: "We went on a caravan holiday together and the kids came."

She said: "Pete was like Mr Fixit. He would help everyone and anyone and mend things round their homes. He also loved restoring antiques."

Ms Sillitoe was in London when Mr Finch died and heard the news on her return.

She said: "I couldn't believe it. It was like something out of a movie.

"I still can't believe I won't be seeing his smiling face again.

"He was so generous. He would do some work for someone and often refuse payment or push some of the money back into their hands.

"He'd say all he needed was enough to get him by.

"He had no enemies as far as I knew and he was someone you could never stay angry with for very long."

Mr Finch's son is being cared for by relatives.

Ms Sillitoe laid flowers outside Mr Finch's home. She said: "Ralph has no mother or father now. I just want to see him and hug him."

Dean Huggett, 20, also of Dower Walk, has been charged with murder.

He has been remanded in custody by Crawley magistrates to appear at Lewes Crown Court on September 8.