The Rev John Michael Walker, 76, died when the Peugeot car he was driving was in collision with a lorry on the Steyning bypass near its junction with Horsham Road at around 11am.

The road was closed for more than three hours and Mr Walker, who lived in Horsham Road, had to be cut free from the wreckage. He died before he could be taken to hospital.

The lorry driver, a 50-year-old man from Crowborough, East Sussex, was given treatment for shock.

Mr Walker was vicar at St Mary's Church, Washington, in the 1970s, and later presided over three parishes – Washington, Ashington, and Wiston with Buncton.

At the time of the merger he moved from Washington to Ashington Rectory, where he lived until he retired through ill health around eight years ago.

Mr Walker leaves wife Ruth and two adult children, Richard and Margaret.

Norah Dore, church warden and verger at St Mary's Church, Washington, described him as a "loving and caring man".

She said: "He was vicar here for 25 years until he had to retire through failing health around eight years ago.

"He was a very clever man and used to run a history group. He also had a very rare talent for needlepoint and was renowned for producing high quality sewing.

"He was always involved in the community and had great fun with the youth club and joined in with activities at the Harvest Supper. He was an active member of the Deanery Synod and was very much loved in his parishes.

"It is so sad to think that his life ended like this."

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