FAMILY and friends of a young man killed in a car crash are to drop the traditional black of mourning for the red of Manchester United.

The funeral of football fan Jonathan Nowotny takes place at Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone, today with many friends donning football shirts in his memory.

Jonathan, 20, from Maidstone, was killed when his car hit a tree on the A20, Ashford Road, just outside Bearsted.

His family spoke exclusively to the Kent Messenger to pay tribute to the "thoroughly decent man".

They said: "We as a family always knew Jonathan was a kind and thoughtful person. One of his most endearing qualities was that he could usually find a kind word to say about almost anybody.

"It is to everybody that has conveyed messages of sympathy for our tragic loss that we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts; for the strength we have gained from your kindness."

* See the Kent Messenger for the full tribute.