The family of a “larger-than-life” 18-year-old who died in a tragic accident on the railway say his death has “ripped an unfillable hole in our hearts”.

Tom Watson, from Folkestone, is understood to have accidentally fallen onto a live rail following a night out in Canterbury last Thursday.

His parents, Candy and Ted, say their son was the “life and soul of the party”, with his death devastating his family and many friends.

“Tom is irreplaceable and it has ripped an unfillable hole in our hearts,” they said.

“We wouldn’t wish a pain like this on anyone.

“However, the outpouring of love and the wonderful sharing of memories by his friends and family has enabled us to focus on what a wonderful young man Tom had grown into.”

Former Folkestone Academy pupil Tom was looking forward to starting an English degree at the University of Lincoln next week and had dreams of becoming a secondary school teacher.

A keen actor, singer and musician, he would often be heard by neighbours belting out the latest musical inspiration he had seen.

“Tom was larger than life,” his parents said.

“He was happy, caring, loud, funny and the life and soul of the party.

“You would always hear him before you saw him. He was a total livewire, always dancing and singing.

“Tom, once met, was never forgotten. He always asked how you were, what you were doing.

“He was never short of a witty response and would keep everyone laughing with his impressions and silly jokes. He had a beautiful heart.”

Tom’s parents say he had enjoyed a “great night out with friends” before accidentally falling onto a live rail at Canterbury East railway station.

British Transport Police was called shortly before 9.30am on Friday morning following the discovery of his body on the tracks.

While not wishing to speak too much about the circumstances, Tom’s family say there is “clear evidence” he had no intent to take his own life.

“Tom had everything to live for and was looking forward to going to university, which he even was speaking about on that tragic night,” his mum said.

“As a family, we would not like to focus not on how Tom died, but how he lived.

“As hard as this is, and our lives will never be the same again, we want everyone who knew and loved our larger-than-life boy to remember him living in the fullness of life.

“He was caring, cheeky, funny, loud, noisy, always moving, dancing, singing, talking and was totally and utterly loved. This is how Tom would want to be remembered.

“We have been completely surrounded by love and thank everyone for supporting us through this time.”

Friends of Tom will be holding a vigil to celebrate his life at Dane John Gardens in Canterbury at 1pm on Saturday and have created a Facebook page called Tom Forever18 so people can share memories of the teenager.

A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched to raise money for Demelza children’s hospice in his name, with almost £1,000 already donated.

The friends behind Saturday’s memorial event said: “Tom Watson was a character.

“He never failed to make anyone laugh and had an amazing laugh - if you know you know.

“Tom had so much planned for life and didn’t deserve to be taken so soon.

“Please join us in celebrating his memory.

“Wear your best pinks, purples, and bright colours.

“Bring flowers, candles, balloons - anything you wish. Let’s live on for Tom.”

Radio Folkestone also posted a tribute to Tom, who had presented on the show as a student.

It said: “With a heavy heart we say goodbye to Tom Watson, who died in a tragic accident a few days ago.

“Tom was a radio presenter on 105.9 Academy FM Folkestone when he was an Academy student, and helped us win the School Radio Station of the Year 2019 award.

“He was the life and soul of the party. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Tom is survived by mum Candy, dad Ted, his three siblings, and his extended family and friends.

BTP says it is not treating his death as suspicious and will be preparing a file for the coroner.