Tributes have been paid to Matthew Simmonds, owner of Heathorns bookmakers, who died after a car crash.

The 36-year-old, who ran the largest family-owned bookmaker in the UK, died after his car was involved in an accident between Northchapel and Petworth on Wednesday.

A colleague said the vehicle was thought to have hit a tree as he was returning to his home in Petworth.

He was cut from the tangled wreckage and taken by helicopter to Worthing Hospital but died of severe multiple internal injuries.

Company director Gary Pearce said: "All the staff at Heathorns are devastated at the sudden and tragic loss of Matthew.

"We will all miss the motivation, inspiration and friendship that he gave to every one of his employees.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Helen, three children and all the Simmonds family at this desperately sad time."