A BUSINESSMAN who planned to marry later this year has been killed in a road accident.

Mark Cullip, 40, of Spelmonden Road, Goudhurst, died when his Mercedes Kompressor crashed in Angley Road at Cranbrook - opposite Angley School where his 13-year-old daughter, Shelley, is a pupil.

Mr Cullip's partner of eight years, Dawn Pitcher, has paid tribute to the man who she said "meant the world" to her. The couple became engaged last Christmas and planned to wed later this year at Finchcock's Museum of Music at Goudhurst.

They had a five-year-old daughter, Abby, who attends Goudhurst and Kilndown Primary School. Mr Cullip's other daughter, Shelley, was from a previous marriage and did not live with the couple.

Miss Pitcher said: "He was such a special person to me and the children and his family. He meant the world to everyone that knew him. He was well-known and well-liked and respected throughout the village."

Mr Cullip had owned his own company, MPC Plant Hire and Construction, based in Flimwell. He was a Chelsea FC supporter and enjoyed fishing and motorbike racing.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the accident which happened on Sunday night. Anyone with information is asked to telephone 01233 611055.