TRIBUTES have been paid to a 21-year-old man who died in a car crash near Hammer. Ryan Carney, of Kings Road, Haslemere, died after his car left the road on the B2131 near Lynchmere, on October 21.

His parents, Simon and Maria, issued a statement which described him as "a son and brother we can be proud of". They said he was "an intelligent and talented young man who was always fun to be around whatever the occasion".

Mr Carney, a chef at The Links pub in Liphook, went to Churcher's College in Petersfield and was a member of Midhurst Rugby Club, where a minute's silence was held on Saturday.

His parents added: "We have been inundated with tributes from his friends and work colleagues, and it has been a great consolation to learn just how highly regarded he was by so many people."

He was found dead in his car by a passing motorist just before midday. Sussex Police have appealed for anyone with information about the crash to contact them on 101.