Colleagues of a hero who died while saving a five-year-old girl from drowning have paid tribute to a "thoughtful and caring man."

Plamen Petkov of Westmorland Drive, Sutton, drowned off West Wittering Beach on May 27.

The 32-year-old saw the girl being carried out by the tide when he swam to her rescue.

His colleagues at Vulcan Building Services Ltd, in Angel Hill, paid tribute to Mr Petkov who had worked at the company on and off for seven years.

A company spokesman said: "Plamen was an extremely conscientious and hardworking person, who was universally liked and respected by both his workmates and clients alike.

"He had always shown himself to be a thoughtful and caring man and while the news of his death came as a terrible shock for everyone at the company, the fact he tragically lost his life in a completely selfless act to try and help somebody in trouble came as no surprise at all.

"It was so typical of a person who had become a friend as well as a colleague to all of us, and he will be very sadly missed."

The company described Mr Petkov's actions as an example of true heroism.

The spokesman added: "His actions are an outstanding example of what true heroism is all about; ordinary people doing amazing things to help others in trouble or less fortunate than themselves, without any thought of the dangers involved and expecting nothing in return.

"Unfortunately for his family, friends and colleagues, Plamen has paid the highest possible price for his bravery and honesty and the world is a much poorer place for his passing.

"Every member of staff would like to pass on their sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family at such a very sad time."

Did you know Plamen Petkov? Leave your tributes below.