A MAN who died after his car collided with a lorry in Folkestone has been identified.

Paul Waghorne, 27, of Canterbury Road, Folkestone, was killed when his Ford Focus crashed head-on with a German-registered lorry in Churchill Avenue at about midnight on Tuesday.

Firemen used cutting equipment to free the victim, who ran the post room at Shorncliffe Barracks and worked at Sainsbury's petrol station at Park Farm. But he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family issued a statement saying: "Paul was a beloved son and brother and a true friend to many people. He will be sadly missed as he was a great presence to those who knew him. Anyone that knew Paul would tell you that he made a positive impact on everyone he met."

Fond words have also come from Army spokesman Paul Beard who said Mr Waghorne, a keen pool player who had enjoyed a trip to Australia, had worked at the barracks for seven years.

He added: "No one who ever met Paul will ever forget him. Despite being slightly disabled, he remained cheerful and hard-working and was well liked by everyone. He set a fine example of how to cope in adversity and live life to the full. He always had a smile on his face. It is a dreadful tragedy."

And Sainsbury's trainee manager Fiona Barber said: "Paul will be sadly missed by all his colleagues."

The 51-year-old Greek lorry driver was taken into custody for questioning and is still helping police with their inquiries. It is believed the lorry had left the M20 as the Roundhill Tunnels at Folkestone were closed for maintenance, with a diversion along Churchill Avenue.

The accident led to the spillage of 500 litres of diesel from the lorry which meant Churchill Avenue, from the Sainsbury's Park Farm roundabout to the A260 roundabout, had to be closed.

Firemen cleared the fuel and then the clear-up was handed over to the Environment Agency and Shepway District Council. Police have spoken to three witnesses.