The grieving parents of a 17-year-old boy who died in a horror crash in Sheppey have paid tribute to their "bright shiny star".

Tom Graysmark, who lived on the Island until March this year when he moved to Orpington, died at the scene of the accident in Lower Road, near Brambledown on Friday night.

He leaves behind his mum Carol, dad Stephen, two sisters Kate and Stephanie and three brothers Tim, Dave and Kel. He also has five nieces and two nephews.

Mum Carol said he had a passion for life and most of all, a passion for his family.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble for Tom," she said. "He was always helping everyone. He'd never let you down and was always there to cheer you up. He was like a piece of gold and my reason for living. He really was our bright shiny star."

Dad Stephen added: "Our whole world has been ripped apart. We are totally devastated to lose Tom. He had his whole life ahead of him and nothing will ever be the same again.

"He had the best qualities of everyone rolled into one and now he’s gone, we have a void in our lives which will never be filled."

The youngest member of the Graysmark family, Tom was due to celebrate his 18th birthday on September 28.

Tom went to Cheyne Middle School in Sheerness before attending Minster College. He had also been working at K&S Racing in Sittingbourne and had hoped to join the army to become a mechanic.

His funeral is due to be held on Friday, August 28 at Lewisham Crematorium.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the crash. Tom was a passenger in a black Peugeot 106 which collided with a green Rover 75. Three other people were injured.

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