A Maidstone man tragically killed in a crash near Biddenden on Tuesday has been named locally as Dave Currer.

The 50-year-old was pronounced dead outside Summers Motors on the A274 Headcorn Road after his Suzuki motorcycle collided with a Mazda at 3.45pm.

The road was temporarily closed while police investigated and the air ambulance was seen landing in a nearby field.

Now friends have paid tribute to a generous and well-respected 'gentleman biker' who went above and beyond to help others.

Gill Vallance, from Maidstone has known Mr Currer for more than 30 years. She said friends have been left devastated by the news.

The Leonard Gould Way resident said: "It was instantaneous. We couldn't believe it. Someone just put a message on Facebook and our first reaction was that there was no way this could have happened.

"He was an advanced motorcyclist, he was very, very careful. Everybody feels shocked and we are still taking it in.

The 58-year-old biker added: "He has thousands and thousands of friends. He really was just a lovely gentleman who was a friend to everybody and an enemy to none."

Another friend, Steve Howarth, added: "Dave was a good friend to many of us, a leading light in the local environmental scene and an all round good egg, traveler and a true citizen of the world."

A keen motorcyclist, Mr Currer, also known as DC volunteered with several support and rehabilitation groups including Alcoholics Anonymous. He helped to organise the annual Green Fair held in Mote Park to promote environmental issues.

Kent Police have said the 57-year-old driver of the Blue Mazda 3 car has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been released on conditional bail until next February.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the crash or either of the vehicles just beforehand.

Anyone with information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference DH/203/15.