A teenager died after being hit by a train, an inquest heard.

Maximus Timberlake, 17, was struck by a train near Sandwich, earlier this year.

He had dined with his grandfather the same evening but later text friends to say he was to end his life.

After hearing evidence at an inquest yesterday, a coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.

Joanne Andrews, area coroner for North East Kent, said: "He intended to take his own life and I am very sorry to hear of his death.

"These were very tragic circumstances and nobody knew this was going to occur.

"But people will remember him as someone who was very much loved."

Maximus, a student from King Street, Sandwich, was killed just before 11pm on Saturday, January 29.

Earlier that evening he was having dinner with his grandfather and showed no signs of feeling down or having any worrying behaviour, the inquest at the Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone was told.

But later that night he sent texts to friends saying he wanted to end his life.

One said he was no longer happy with his life and intended to end it.

Afterwards a note was found at his home that said: "I think I'm just not meant to live. I can never see myself living much longer."

After the texts were received police were called.

The inquest heard that Maximus had driven to the railway track and the train driver told of at first seeing headlights in front of him.

The driver, in written evidence to the hearing, told the inquest about what he saw that night before Maximus was struck by the train.

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A post-mortem concluded Maximus had died from multiple injuries.

British Transport Police investigated and concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances.

A GP report said Maximus had no underlying medical problems and was not on any medication.

Maximus' family did not attend the hearing but agreed for PC Ellie Lira, of British Transport Police, to represent them.

She told the inquest by videolink that family wanted to say they believed he was a very happy boy and "they had no idea this was coming".