Tributes have paid to a talented young Medway petanque player was killed in a car crash on Mother’s Day.

Robert Cooter, 17,was a member of Gillingham's Plough and Chequers petanque club and a keen rugby player.

Robert, who lived in Sun Lane, Gravesend, was a pupil at North West Kent College.

He died after the silver Vauxhall Corsa he was driving left the road, hit a telegraph pole and overturned on the A227 near Meopham.

He had spent the day with his mum Corinne, 45, and dad, Mark, 51. He and his sister Jennifer had cooked a family meal to celebrate Mother’s Day.

His heartbroken mum said: “Robert touched so many people’s hearts. He will be sorely missed.

A spokesmen for the Kent Petanque Association, said: “Although he was only in his teenage years was already a very experienced player as he approached the senior level of play.

“Robert has played at the top level, representing Kent and England too at international level, winning Kent titles as well on the way.”

Another said: “His fellow team members have been devastated by the loss of such a skilled, respected and loved friend.”

For more tributes to Robert, see Friday’s print edition of Medway Messenger.