A family have paid a heartfelt tribute to their "lovely boy" - killed in an accident just weeks before he was due to become a father.

Damien Smith, 34, died in the crash in Golden Green, near Tonbridge, on Monday May 3.

His family have described him as "one of the most kind, loving, genuine people that you would ever meet."

In a statement issued today, they said their world had ended.

Mother Sally said: "We knew that he was popular but we cannot believe how many people loved him.

He was a retained fireman for many years and in his younger days he went to Tonbridge Boys Brigade.

We have worked together in our family business for the last 18 years, with Damien being the manager for the past five years. He is going to be sorely missed by all."

She said he was really excited about the prospect of being a dad in just 10 weeks' time.

Sally added: "Only three days before this tragedy happened he returned from his last "child-free holiday" with his partner Jennie, and now our grandchild will have to grow up never knowing his dad."

The crash happened at 8.15pm, when his bike collided with a van at Three Elm Lane.

Mum Sally said she was not strong enough to start campaigning, but strongly believed the tragedy wouldn't have happened if he hadn't have been on a motorbike.

Damien leaves behind his parents Neville and Sally; brother and sister Wayne and Becky; partner Jennie and their unborn child; stepbrother Robert and eight-week-old nephew Zachary.

A celebration of Damien's life will be held on Wednesday, May 19, at 11.30am at Tonbridge Baptist Church, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, followed by a a committal at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium at 2pm.

The family have requested no flowers, but donations can be made to the Firefighters Charity. Mourners are asked to wear smart, casual and colourful clothing.

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