Tributes have been paid to a former regional press journalist killed in a motorcycle accident aged just 31.

Jamie Bartle, who began his career at the West Sussex County Times, died of injuries that he received when his 1000cc motorcycle was involved in a collision as he rode to work in Peterborough.

He had been assistant editor of the specialist magazine Performance Bikes, where he had worked since leaving the County Times two years ago.

During his time at the weekly paper he had risen quickly through the ranks, starting out as a trainee in 1998 and later becoming assistant news editor and then news editor.

Gary Shipton, group editor of West Sussex County Times, said: "He was a superb journalist, but also a great member of the team.

"Everyone liked Jamie, and although he left a couple of years ago to join Performance Bikes, he still regularly kept in touch with many in our newsroom."

His funeral is due to take place at 2pm on Friday, December 10, at St Mary's Church, Church Place, Pulborough.

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