A motorcyclist who died in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver on the M20 has been described as a “guy who was respected by everyone.”

Michael Copleston, 60, who lived in Hawkinge, was a devoted husband to his wife Pauline of 39 years, a father to two, and a grandfather to four.

He served in the Metropolitan Police for three decades and was an advanced motorcycle and car instructor who trained other officers in road safety.

Mr Copleston’s daughter Donna Clarkson paid tribute to her father.

Mrs Clarkson said: “He’s left a huge gap in everyone’s lives and he will be greatly missed by all.

“He retired from the police and has worked for the American Embassy as a chauffeur.

“They have said he was one of the best drivers they had, very knowledgeable and a great guy who was respected by everyone.

“Rest in peace dad, life will never be the same without you.

“I just can’t believe you have been taken from us.”

The crash happened on Tuesday, November 29, and the police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

The collision was between a motorbike and a Ford KA near the coast bound junction 9 at around 12.54am.

Police have since confirmed the driver of the Ford KA was a man in his eighties.

Emergency crews, including police and ambulance, rushed to the turn-off for Ashford and Faversham, but the motorcyclist sadly died at the scene.

A police spokesman said: “It was reported that the car, a blue Ford Ka, had joined the M20 coast bound carriageway at junction 10 but was driving on the wrong side of the road of the M20 towards Maidstone when it was in a head-on collision with the white and black BMW motorcycle near to junction 9.”

Officers are now looking to speak to anyone who may have seen the car just before the crash.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured the collision or driving on a dash camera or similar.

The road was closed coast-bound from 1.30am and diversions were put in place.

A SECAmb spokesman said: “We attended the incident involving a car and motorcycle with two ambulance crews and a single responder car alongside air ambulance.

“Sadly one person was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk and quote DB/DM/230/16.