TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular student and skateboarder who drowned in a reservoir.

Ryan Clements, 17, of Rectory Way, Kennington, Ashford, died while swimming with friends in the reservoir in Hook Lane, Brookland, near New Romney, last Saturday.

Members of his family have visited the Sk8side skate park, by the Stour Centre at Ashford, where Ryan often spent time with friends.

A memorial has been put together with skateboards pinned around the park with his name on them.

Chris Marsh, 19, was with Ryan the day he died and said he was determined to remember the good things about his close friend.

“None of us will ever forget him because none of us can,” he said. “We will always remember his cheeky laugh which was very distinctive. Every time I see the skateboards it makes me smile.”

There are also plans for a more permanent memorial at the skate park such as a graffiti wall or ramp.

The athletic teenager, a former pupil at Norton Knatchbull School, who enjoyed karate and playing the guitar, had also made an impression at South Kent College, in Folkestone, where he was doing a carpentry and joinery course.

His tutor Stewart Haywood said: “Ryan was a bright lad who showed a strong commitment to his studies. He was one of those young people who got on well with others of all ages and was always level-headed.

“He will be greatly missed by the staff and students.”

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENTISH EXPRESS