A devastated family has paid tribute to their "beautiful, special boy" after his tragic death at a funfair.

Deal teenager Mackenzie Croxford-Cook died following a serious incident at the fairground in Dover on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Pencester Gardens shortly after 7.30am after his body was discovered.

The 14-year-old is understood to have suffered fatal injuries following an accident on a ride, which was not operating at the time.

Speaking to KentOnline, his heartbroken nan, Debbie Harris, says her "thoughtful, loving" grandson will "always be in our hearts".

"He was always happy to help others - it was something he took great pride in," she added.

"He is loved dearly by his family, and was a very affectionate boy, never afraid to tell his family that he loved them."

Mackenzie grew up in Deal from the age of six, attending the town's St Mary’s primary school and later the Goodwin Academy.

His nan says he enjoyed maths and science.

"He was very smart, and a hard worker – at least when he wanted to be!" said Debbie.

"His friends were among the most important things for him; he loved being outdoors with as many of them as possible.

"He was always entertaining others and joking around, making everyone laugh.

"We have been inundated with people saying how much his loss has impacted them – he is loved more than he could possibly imagine, will forever be missed, and will always be in our hearts and minds.

"He is our beautiful, special boy."

More tributes to Mackenzie have been left near the scene of his death, with notes paying homage to his character.

The ride connected to the tragedy was removed from the funfair, which reopened on Saturday – two days later than originally scheduled.

A spokesperson for Forrest Amusements, which runs the fair, last week said the company was "deeply saddened " by Mackenzie's death.

"Our thoughts and sympathy are with the boy’s family at this terrible time," they said.

"As a family-run funfair, this incident has affected us all.

"We would like to thank all the emergency services that attended that day, who did everything they possibly could, and we are very grateful to each and every one of them."

Police are not treating Mackenzie's death as suspicious.

An investigation is being carried out by the Health and Safety Executive.