A father who battled through a smoke-filled house to rescue his next-door neighbours has died suddenly six days later.

Asthmatic Kevin Everitt, 25, ran through flames to save Roy Turner and his 15-year-old daughter Nicola from the blaze.

He then returned to the scene and attempted to douse the flames.

But on Wednesday, just six days after saving the two lives, he died at home in Beech Grove, Sullington.

His widow Kirsten, 26, described how they were both woken by screams from next door on the night of the fire.

She said: "Kevin just flew out of the house and pulled Nicola from the burning house and then went back to see about Roy. Then he went back to douse the flames.

"He suffered from asthma and I couldn't believe he would go back into the house. He was a hero that night."

The couple, who were married two years ago in Horsham, lived at Sullington with Curtis and Sean, both six, both from previous relationships, and their 14-month-old daughter Mia.

Mrs Everitt said: "I'm still trying to come to terms with his death and feel very shell-shocked.

"Sean is autistic and can't really understand Kevin is gone. Mia is too young but Curtis has been told. He understands as much as any child his age can."

Linda Turner, whose husband and daughter were rescued, said: "He just charged through the flames. If it wasn't for Kevin I don't think either of them would be here today."

Mr Everitt also helped the family repair and redecorate the hallway and living room after the fire.

Mrs Turner said: "He came round with a paint brush in his hand and started redecorating straight away. That is just the type of person he was. He would do anything for you."

Mrs Everitt said: "He was a very caring and considerate person and was an absolutely devoted family man. He would have done anything for anybody.

"He liked listening to his music when he was at home. Now he is gone there is silence. I never knew silence could be so painful."

Kevin's funeral will be held on Wednesday at 11.20am at Worthing Crematorium.

The family has asked for no flowers to be sent.

Donations can be made to the Sussex Autistic Society or the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School in Horsham.