A kind-hearted 20-year-old tragically killed in a crash at the weekend was soon to become a dad for the first time.

“Cheeky chappy” Charlie Dwyer lost his life in the accident on Romney Marsh in the early hours of Sunday morning.

His heartbroken family and friends have now paid tribute to the “country boy”, who lived in Appledore.

His devastated mum, Maria Collins, says her eldest son was a “loveable rogue” who loved the countryside and animals.

“He was a cheeky chappy - there was no malice in him,” she said.

“He had such a kind heart; he would do anything to help anyone out. He was a loveable rogue and brave.

“He was there for his friends and would help at the drop of a hat. He would get on with anyone, no matter their age.

“He was a country boy through and through. He loved his animals; spaniels, lurchers, ferrets, chickens, all sorts.

“He also loved pheasant and clay pigeon shooting. He won shot of the day at Mersham Le Hatch shooting ground when he was about 13 years old.”

Charlie had two siblings - a 21-year-old sister, Molly, and a younger brother, Archie, 12.

“He was a family man,” said his mum.

“He had a lot of morals and would do anything for anyone.

“Molly and Charlie were thick as thieves; they had a really good, loving relationship. Archie idolised him – he looked up to Charlie.”

Charlie, who attended Aldington Primary School, Homewood School and the North School, was nicknamed “pork chop” because his facial hair only grew on one side of his face. But Ms Collins says her son scrubbed up well.

“He did not care about his brands and was not fussed about going on holiday,” she said.

“If he won the lottery, he wouldn’t go on holiday, he’d go and buy a new gun and go shooting.”

She added Charlie was a “Jack of all trades” and “very good with his hands”.

“He’s done all sorts,” she said.

“If you gave him a piece of wood, he’d make you a rocking horse. He loved making catapults and pen knives too.”

Charlie was set to become a dad in December, and Ms Collins says he would have been a great father.

He was killed when a Daihatsu Terios SX he was driving crashed into a ditch close to Ham Mill Lane, near Snargate, shortly after 1am.

Floral tributes and handwritten notes have since been left at the scene.

Ms Collins has planted a rose bush at the roadside and left a Guinness and bar of Bourneville chocolate – which were two of Charlie’s favourites.

“Rest in perfect peace Char. You will be missed and never forgotten. You were taken far too soon,” one tribute reads.

“Rest in peace Char. Gone far too soon, you will be missed. So much love,” another read.

One of his oldest friends, Ollie Smith, says Charlie will “forever hold a place in my heart”.

“I will forever be thankful for the friendship we had and the many laughs and memories that we shared together - I will cherish them forever,” she said.

"Your smile lit up every room and your charming personality will forever be missed.

"Char - you were a massive part of my childhood and was a brother to me that I never had. You accepted me for who I am and loved me regardless.

"You will be greatly missed by many. Until we meet again, rest in paradise."

Tributes have also been paid to Charlie on his Facebook page.

One person wrote: “The kindest, most gentle person I’ve met. Your smile lit up a room and I have so many fond memories that I will cherish. I’ll never forget you Char, I love you lots.”

Another post read: “Heartbreaking to say the least. Sending love to your family, Paige and baby boy.”

A date for Charlie’s funeral has not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, police continue to appeal for information about the crash.

Call the SCIU appeals line on 01622 798538, quoting reference SM/HG/085/23, or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.