Two friends from Eton and Reading have died in a crash during a motor sports event.

Shawn Rayner, 52, of Eton Wick Road, Eton and Steve Dear, 64, of School Green, Reading, died when the car they were travelling in hit a tree shortly before 1.30pm at Bramley Training area near Basingstoke on Friday.

The two men were competing in the Loco 2 Stages rally at Bramley Camp and were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Motor Sports Association (MSA), which is the governing body for British motor sports, said it was working with the organisers and the police to establish what had happened.

The MSA, which is based at Riverside Park in Colnbrook, said it sent its 'sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased crew'.

A fellow motoring enthusiast who once built a car with Mr Rayner said: "He touched so many in the rally world and will be sorely missed from it. As the life and soul of our service park, it will never quite be the same.

“Shawn wasn't solely dedicated to his passion. He was a dedicated and loving son and a hugely respected friend to many, many people that he considered his extended family. A family he would go to the ends of the earth for without a second thought."

A statement issued by Mr Dear's family said: "The world has lost an inspirational father, loving partner and respected friend, brother and son. A man that always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, he will live on in our hearts and minds for the rest of our days."