A VILLAGE is mourning the death of a 24-year-old father of two who was killed in a car crash.

John Wilkinson, of Church Hill, Shepherdswell, near Dover, died when the car in which he was a passenger overturned in the village's Westcourt Lane just after 10.30pm on New Year's Day.

Mr Wilkinson was one of six children and lived with his parents, Julie and Peter Wilkinson. He had four older sisters and a younger brother.

His mother said: "John was a very loyal person to everyone he knew. He was a wonderful son and father and lived for his children and his work."

Mr Wilkinson was educated at Archers Court School in Whitfield, near Dover, and, after leaving at the age of 16, completed an apprenticeship in bricklaying at Canterbury College while working for Shepherdswell builder Mark Roberts.

He had two sons, one of four and one who is almost three. They live with their mother in Dover but Mr Wilkinson spent lots of time with his boys, frequently having them over to stay at his parents' home.

Catherine Ervin, landlady of Mr Wilkinson's local The Bricklayer's Arms, said: "It is very sad. He and his father were regulars here. John was quiet but very popular because he was such a nice and placid person. He was very easy going. He was such a lovely person and will be very much missed."

Mr Roberts said: "John had worked with me for eight years and he was a smashing fellow. He was a good and reliable lad and I will miss him very much. We were due to go back to work together on Tuesday but I couldn't face it. It will be very difficult for me when I do go back."

Mr Wilkinson and two other men were in a Peugeot 405 when it crashed. A man of 22 from Shepherdswell was arrested close to the scene of the accident. A 20-year-old man from the Dover area, who is believed to be the driver of the car, was arrested after going to Dover police station the following morning.

Both men have been released on police bail while officers make further inquiries. No other people are being sought in connection with the accident.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to telephone police on 01622 600970.