The family of Josh Hibbert, who has died in a car crash aged 17, have spoken of their fondest memories of the former Walmer Science College pupil.

One of the poignant recollections will be the teenager’s "huge personality which made him many friends, his striking auburn Afro-style hair and his charismatic smile."

Josh, of Fairview Gardens, Walmer, died when he was a passenger in the back seat of a Ford Feista which crashed just off the A258 Dover-Deal road near the Swingate. His family have described their son as "a popular and loving teenager."

The teenager’s uncle Paul Mirams summed up his nephew’s character.

He said: "Josh had a big personality, whoever he met - it would rub off on them. His personality was magnetic, he drew people to him with his fantastic smile. Once met, Josh was never forgotten."

Hundreds of tributes have been made on social networking sites which have comforted his mother Emma, father Stephen, three brothers Ben, 21, Jake, 16, Reece age six and sister Millie, eight.

Josh was particularly close to Jake who said: "There was only a year between us. He was my brother, but he was also my best friend."

Stephen Hibbert said: "Josh lived life to the full, did everything he wanted to and lit up the life of everyone around him. He loved all his family - his brothers and sister and his young cousins, and if anyone was feeling down, Josh was the one to lift the gloom."

He thanked everyone who sent messages of sympathy. He also urged people to remember the families of the other three boys in the crash and offer them support.

Josh’s funeral date has not been confirmed but the family will be requesting family flowers only, donations to the Kent Air Ambulance.

* See the East Kent Mercury, October 20, for more tributes to Josh Hibbert.