A MOTORCYCLIST died after his bike collided with a tractor.

Stephen Howlett, 31, an HGV driver from the Teynham area, was killed when his Kawasaki motorcycle collided with a tractor from a farm in Tonge on Saturday.

The accident happened at around 1.20pm on the London Road (A2) Bapchild, at the junction of Dully Road.

Mr Howlett's parents described him as having a "fun loving and generous nature" and said: "In his spare time he has followed his passion for motorcycling."

Mr Howlett spent six years in the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in which time he toured the world and gained his US Airborne Wings while on an exercise in America.

In 1994 he was selected to take part in the in the mass parachute jump which formed part of the 50th anniversary of the D-day landings.

His parents said: "Since leaving the army in 1996, he has immensely enjoyed his job as an HGV driver, going to all parts of continental Europe."

The driver of the tractor, who has not been named, did not suffer any reported injuries.

Mr Howlett's parents added: "Steve led life to the full but always found time for others around him.

"His fun loving and generous nature will be greatly missed by his family and friends."

Police are appealing for any information in connection with the incident to contact them on 01795 477055.