The family of a Sittingbourne father killed in a crash in a Kent village have paid tribute to their "big friendly giant".

Mark Phillips, who died when the car he was in came off the road into a field in Selling, near Faversham, said the 37-year-old was the life and soul of the party.

In a statement, his parents Brian and Margaret and three sisters Wendy, Lisa and Kelly said: "Mark was very sociable and had so many friends. He made everyone laugh so there was no way you could be miserable around him.

"He would do anything for anyone and we will really miss our lovable big friendly giant."

Mr Phillips, who had a 13-year-old son, Mark, had lived in Crown Quay Lane for the last two months. Before that ge lived at Hersden, near Canterbury.

His funeral is due to be held at Robin Lane crematorium, Chatham on Tuesday, August 25. The family have requested people attending not to wear black as they "want it to be a celebration of his life and give him a really good send off".

An inquest into Mr Phillips's death was opened and adjourned last week.
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the crash, which happened at around 3am on Sunday, August 2 in White Hill, Selling.

A police spokesman said: "It is thought the grey Ford Escort came off the road into a field on a bend in the road."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.