The family of a man killed in a freak chainsaw accident say they are "completely devastated"by his death.

Matthew Ovenden, 35, was cutting logs in the garden of his home near Canterbury when he suffered fatal injuries.

An inquest opening on Friday heard how he had been found dead in Ash, on February 5, by his partner Laura Wilkins.

The cause of death was recorded as loss of blood and the hearing was adjourned until June 7.

Mr Ovenden, was a contracts manager for Datum Groundworks, based at Aylesham.

This week, his family released a statement, saying: "We are completely devastated by the loss of Matthew.

"He was a kind soul with a big heart and will be sorely missed by his whole family, friends and work colleagues.

"The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support."

Matthew, who was a father and had a sister and two brothers, was well known on the stock car racing scene in which he competed at Lydden circuit.

FG Race Fabrications at Eastry, who worked on his cars, paid tribute to him on Facebook, posting: "We had the pleasure of bringing you along in to your career racing stock rods.

"We were part of your journey - fun times we had. Rest in peace boy."

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