by Chris Hunter

The family of a man who died in a road accident in Maidstone on Monday has paid a glowing tribute to the man they knew as "Popsy".

Brian Derek Robinson, 63, died on Tonbridge Road at around 11.35pm, after the maroon Saab he was travelling in collided with a black Ford Fiesta travelling in the opposite direction.

The Saab left the carriageway, near Bull Orchard, collided with a tree and overturned.

Mr Robinson, a semi-retired electrician from North Street, Barming, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His children Steven, Sarah and Lisa and 10 grandchildren are said to be devastated by the loss, and have paid tribute to him in a statement issued by Kent Police.

The statement added: "Known to everyone as Popsy, he was the father figure, the life and soul of any party and always put a smile on our faces.

"With a hugely generous spirit and fondness for his many grandchildren, Popsy always put others before himself, shown by his immense love for his wife Eileen, caring for her attentively throughout her years of illness.

"He lived life to the full throughout; in his younger days taking a keen interest in waterskiing and this enthusiasm was soon passed onto his son Steven who took it up professionally.

"In the 1970s when he came to Maidstone he enjoyed playing football for Mote Park Estate Football Club. In later years, he played darts at the Kentish Yeoman pub in Bearsted, played pool for The Bull pub team in Barming and had a passion for Chelsea Football Club.

"He will also be remembered as a dab hand in the kitchen and always took over the barbecue, but he was such a good cook, we let him!

"We will miss his special smile, quick-witted and cheeky attitude and his warm character. His death has left a big hole in the family."

Two others travelling in the Saab sustained serious injuries and those in the Ford suffered minor injuries.

Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit attended the scene and are now investigating.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact them on 01622 798538.