A book of condolence is to be left in a Sussex town hall for people to pay their respects to an heroic off-duty firefighter killed in a vain bid to save his brother.

Alex Kent, 25, a fireman for just 10-months, led his parents to safety from their burning family home at Fermor Way, Crowborough, before going back for his brother Philip, 23, a golf shop assistant manager.

Both men were dragged from the inferno by Alex's colleagues at Crowborough fire station but later died in hospital.

A flag outside the town fire station was yesterday at half mast as more floral tributes were left around the pole and at the stricken house.

People stopped to read cards attached to bouquets and chat to firefighters as they worked.

Staff at the town hall were still waiting to receive a book of condolence from the Fire Brigade but hoped it would be in place over the weekend.

It will eventually be handed to the brothers' parents, Richard and Janet Kent, who have spoken of their grief at the loss of their only children.

In a statement, the couple said: "We have been left with nothing. No words can explain the total sense of loss we feel.

"Our family is being a tremendous support to us and we wish to thank all wellwishers for their kind thoughts and tributes to the boys."