by Hayley Robinson

Staff and pupils at Sittingbourne Community College will pay tribute to their classmate Kyle Coen later today.

A tree will be planted in the college garden in memory of the popular teenager who died in a hit-and-run accident at the start of the summer holidays.

Three benches and a special plaque will also be installed at the college site.

The items have been donated by Dobbies Garden World, Gillingham.

It’s hoped Kyle’s mum will attend the ceremony which starts at 2.30pm.

Head of school Neil Golding said: "Having a memorial area for Kyle is very important to us at the college as we were deeply saddened about what happened.

"Although he was only with us for a year, having moved to the area from Bournemouth, Kyle was an immensely popular young man who had made many, many friends in his time at the college.

"The strength of feeling about Kyle has been clearly demonstrated by the words and actions of his friends and loved ones."

The 14-year-old was on his way to see his girlfriend Donna Clarke, who lives in Teynham, when he was knocked off his bike by a driver who then sped off.

Medics fought to save him after the incident happened at 9.15pm on July 30. But their efforts were in vain and he was pronounced dead at the scene outside Bapchild Cricket Club.

A grey Fiat Bravo, believed to have been the car involved, was later recovered by the police.

A 27-year-old woman and a man of 23 were arrested in connection with his death and released on police bail. They are due back at Sittingbourne police station on Thursday, October 4.