A prominent member of a Romney Marsh boat club has been killed in a motorbike crash.

Michael Waldman, 53, was riding in a group of four when his black Kawasaki ZX-6R was in a crash with a white Seat Ibiza.

He suffered fatal injuries in the crash, which happened on the B2096 between Netherfield and Battle just before midday on Sunday, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michael, a builder and boat enthusiast who was known to his friends as Mick, had been a member of The Varne Boat and Social Club, based in Greatstone, for more than 25 years.

Chris Matthews, the club president, said: “It is very shocking. Mick was a member of the committee for many years.

“Obviously we rely on members to help in the club, and Mick played a significant part.

“He was in charge of the power boating and water skiing section and would always provide support for members.

“We’d have open days where visitors could come see what we do, and Mick was always there with his boat and happy to take them out.”

Mr Matthews said in the weeks before he died Mr Waldman had lost his close fried Rupert Chandler, who had suffered a heart attack.

Mr Chandler had also been a member of the boat club, and Mr Waldman had attended his funeral last week.

Mr Matthews added: “They were very close friends. It was very unexpected.

“We have an outdoor seating area at the club and we were planning on placing a bench there for Rupert.

“We’ll now arrange a memorial for Mick. It is our AGM on Sunday, and we’ll let all our members know what has happened.”

Zalan Paksy, chairman of the club, added: “It is a great shock for the whole club. It was all of a sudden.

“We will do something to commemorate him and Rupert.”

It is understood that Mr Waldman, who lived in South Ashford, was travelling south towards Battle at the time of the accident.

A 30-year-old woman from Sedlescombe, who was driving the Seat and travelling north, was unhurt in the collision.

The road was closed for four hours while the scene was investigated.

An inquest into Mr Waldman’s death is due to open at Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court in the next week.

Police have issued an appeal for any witnesses who saw the crash to contact them by emailing collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phoning 101, quoting Operation Shaldon.