THE sudden death of a young church-goer has devastated his family and shocked and saddened a village community.

Steven Bicker, 19, was found dead at his home in Briar Close, Aylesham, near Canterbury.

It is understood an initial post mortem has proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.

The teenager had recently started a public services course at Canterbury College and hoped to join the fire service.

He had been a member of the Aylesham Baptist Free Church since joining its Sunday Club as a young boy.

Minister Russell Fisk said: “He was a much-loved and valued member of our Young People’s Fellowship and was full of enthusiasm and so caring about others. His presence lit up many a service and he was loved by everyone of all ages.

“Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed and our hearts go out to his parents, Carol and Glen, brothers David and Gary and his wider family.”

A tribute to Steven also came from Astor College for the Arts in Dover where he was a pupil for six years.

Principal Chris Russell said: “He was greatly liked at the school and a real character. He was an outstanding student who overcame his difficulties to do extremely well.

“He also won a Try Angle award which was a great achievement. I knew him personally and am incredibly sad to learn of his death.”

He was very well known and popular in the village and a regular visitor to the Aylesham fire station.

Retained fireman Paul Dennis said: “We are very shocked and saddened. We knew Steven well because he loved the fire service and would often help us out with charity events.

“He was very knowledgeable about the fire service and I know he had ambitions to be a fireman.”

The results of a post mortem are awaited. A police spokesman said Steven’s death was “unexplained” and they were not seeking to speak to anyone else at the moment.