Parents have spoken of their heartbreak after the sudden death of their son who passed away in his sleep.

Keen sportsman David Brookes was found dead at the family home in Beech Road, Strood, aged 23.

His parents Barry Brookes and Michelle Milford said their elder son was “a lovely lad who had everything to live for”.

Mr Brookes, 59, a self-employed painter and decorator, said: “He had just started a new job about three months ago and got a new girlfriend.”

David was a technician at the Hollywood Bowl bowling alley in Strood. He had spent Sunday evening with his girlfriend of two months, Lisa Rastall, also 23.

The former MidKent College student was a member of Lordswood Cricket Club and, along with the rest of his family, loved playing the Kentish pub game, bat and trap.

Ms Milford said: “He loved his sport and had a great sense of humour.”

David died on Monday and the cause of his death is not yet known, but he had suffered from seizures since he was 16 and was on medication.

His mum added: “He seemed perfectly normal the night before, just a bit tired. David was somebody who would do anything for anyone.”

David has a sister Rachael, 17, who is in sixth form at Strood Academy, and a brother Tom, 18, who works at Nuffield Health Gym in Strood.

Ms Milford said: “He was an avid supporter of Tom’s rugby club, Ashford Rugby Club and supported his sister in her performing arts.”

Mr Brookes said: “We have not yet sorted out his funeral, but when we do everyone who knew him will be welcome and to the wake.”

David was in his third season at Lordswood and played in the third and fourth teams.

Club chairman Richard Cross said “Dave joined us back in 2014 and was the first to admit his love of the game was greater than his ability.

“He had just started a new job about three months ago and got a new girlfriend" - Barry Brookes

"This was an attitude that instantly won him friends.

“Over three seasons he played in the region of 50 games for the club.

"He was always available for selection for our 3rd and 4th XIs and gave his best for his club and teammates.

“He had a great sense of humour and was always a joy to be around.

"With a pint in one hand and a ciggie in the other he was always home to a massive smile and a joke.

"He was one of those guys that all clubs are built around as the bedrock of local amateur sport.”