THE family of an 11-year-old schoolboy who died when he was involved in a collision with a bus has described him as "irreplaceable".

Matthew Hobbs, of Brent Lane, Dartford, was on his way to school when the tragedy happened in the town's Princes Road at about 7.30am on Wednesday. He was a Year 7 pupil at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.

His parents, Leonard and Valerie Hobbs, said in a statement: "Matthew was well loved by all and left a lasting impression on everybody he met with his ready smile, witty humour and boundless energy.

"He was a loving son and brother and a bright star who had far to go. Matthew was a member of Wilmington Grammar School for Boys' Blazing Brass Show Band and a keen member of Fleetdown United U12s football team where he always played with a good heart and had just been appointed the team's goalkeeper.

"Matthew was motivated and would do his absolute best at all times."

Sibling Duncan Hobbs added: "My brother was an absolute legend, loved by all his friends and mine too. He is totally irreplaceable."

Mr and Mrs Hobbs stressed that the family "truly appreciated" everybody's thoughts and prayers.

In a statement issued on behalf of Matthew's school, head teacher Fiona Cottam said the staff and students were also devastated.

She said Matthew had "made an impact on the school community and had settled in well, making many friends and showing great academic promise".

The head stressed: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time."

A spokesman for Arriva, which runs the Fastrack services, said: "Arriva are co-operating fully with authorities in the investigation of the incident and our thoughts and sympathies are with the relatives of the boy."

Officers from Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is dealing with the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact them on 01622 798538.

Tributes to Matthew will be published in next week's Dartford Messenger. If you wish to contribute please email dartfordmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk