Tributes to young sportsman

Graeme, 23, died on the A2100 Hastings Road at Battle on Tuesday night. His Renault Megane was in collision with a Toyota Celica being driven by a 44-year-old local woman.

Police said that Graeme, who played football for Westfield, died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota suffered shock.

The popular staff member had worked at Bexhill Leisure Centre since Christmas. He was a duty manager. He had previously served as a lifeguard at Bexhill Leisure Pool.

In a tribute on Wednesday, staff at the centre said: "Graeme was a very popular colleague who was always friendly.

"He had just entered the local squash leagues where he displayed a talent for all things that he tried. He always kept us entertained with his funny anecdotes.

"He was friends with us in work, and he was friends with us out of work.

"He will be sadly missed by us all."

Counterparts at Bexhill Leisure Pool said: "Graeme has been a good mate over the years since the old days lifeguarding at Bexhill Leisure Pool; always considerate of other people and especially of his family.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

PC Greg Allcorn at the Sussex Police Road Policing Department at Polegate is appealing for witnesses to contact him on 0845 6070999, quoting Operation Thornton.

David Pollard, area manager for Freedom Leisure said: "Graeme first worked for me as a lifeguard at Bexhill Leisure Pool and came back to work at Bexhill Leisure Centre late last year.

"Graeme was a likeable, competent duty manager with a passion for football.

"In fact, such was his enthusiasm for the game that his colleagues were happy to work their shifts around him to allow him to pursue his sport.

"Graeme was a quietly confident individual who could always be trusted to do a good job at whatever was asked of him, and had a number of excellent skills that enhanced his contribution to the running of the centre.

"He will be greatly missed by us all."