The death of a popular barber in a bike smash yesterday has sparked a huge outpouring of grief in Herne Bay, where he cut hair for 32 years.

Father-of-eight Kevin Almond, 55, died when his black Yamaha crashed on the A20 at Hollingbourne at 9.30am.

Emergency crews were sent to the scene, but were unable to save him despite resuscitation attempts.

News of his death has stunned his many friends and family in Herne Bay, where he had run the Nutcutters salon in Bank Street since 1982.

Hundreds of people on Facebook paid tribute to the big-hearted barber, who was famed for his charity fundraising and had only last week completed the ice bucket challenge.

His wife Kay wrote: "Thank you everyone for all your kind words. Kev was and always will be my big cuddly bear, tough on the outside but a big softy underneath.

"I will miss him every second of every day and I will be forever broken."

Sci-fi fan Mr Almond was also know for his work in the community, working closely with the town's Bay Promo Team.

Its co-founder Gerald McCarthy said: "We are in disbelief - we're just stunned. It's a very sad day because he was such a big character for the town.

"Kevin had been really supportive of us from day one. He comes along to all of our different events and he and his family take part in all the workshops.

"A great character like Kevin will never and should never be forgotten, and with the family's permission, I'm sure the community would like to repay Kevin's passion for Herne Bay in time, with a permanent memorial of some kind."

Close friend Andi Pay said: "A very sad day today. A very close, dear, lifelong friend has been taken too soon.

"They say the good go early and he was the best. So proud to have known him. May you rest in peace my friend Kevin Almond."

Tributes also poured in from other businesses in Herne Bay, with Mac's Barbers posting: "All of us at Mac's are so shocked and saddened by the news of our fellow barber Kevin Almond tragically passing away.

"Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time."

Following the crash, the A20 was closed at the M20 junction 8 roundabout and traffic was diverted via the overpass.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone the collision investigation unit on 01622 798538.