The grieving family of a man killed in a crash in Kent have today paid tribute to a "warm and incredibly generous son".

Rugby-loving salesman James Nicholas, 37, died when his car came off the M26 near Kemsing and hit a bank.

Now relatives have told how his death has led to an outpouring of grief and remembered his "terrific sense of humour and joyful laugh".

Paying tribute to Mr Nicholas, his family said in a statement: "A warm and incredibly generous son, brother and friend, James is remembered fondly by everyone he met. He was kind and big hearted and able to put anyone he met at ease.

"James was a keen rugby player at Windlesham (west Sussex) and Millfield (Somerset) schools and a massive film fan who particularly loved Hollywood action films.

"James' family and friends love him so very much and he will always burn brightly in the hearts of everyone who knew him..." - James Nicholas's family

"A brilliant salesman, James' death has led to a massive outpouring of grief by his family, friends and former colleagues at Complinet/Thompson Reuters.

"James' family and friends love him so very much and he will always burn brightly in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

"Whenever we think of him we smile at his terrific sense of humour and joyful laugh."

Police crash investigators are renewing their appeal for witnesses to the crash, on the London-bound carriageway at 4.55pm on Saturday, August 23.

A grey Citroen C2 driven by Mr Nicholas, from London, went off the road and hit a bank.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved.

Witnesses are urged to phone police on 01622 798538.