The family of a biker who died after a crash with a car have paid tribute to a beloved son, brother and friend.

Alexander Politowicz, known to everyone as Polly, was involved in a crash with a blue Audi Q5 in Chequers Hill, Doddington, near Sittingbourne, yesterday.

In a statement released this morning, his family paid tribute to a "joker and a generous young man who would do anything for anyone".

"His parents Sally and Martin describe him as devoted to his Godchildren, Charlie and Amelia, and he will be missed by all that knew him," the statement continued.

"He worked hard as a manufacturing engineer team leader.

"Polly was a keen sportsman as he grew up, swimming and running for Kent as well as playing rugby for Sittingbourne before injury prevented him from playing but was still a keen supporter of the club and would frequently be found spectating.

"He grew up as a strong young man, often seen flexing his muscles or as he called them, 'the guns'.

"A keen lover of anything 80s, especially the music and Lionel Ritchie, but also films like Top Gun, a huge Batman fan and anything with Arnold Schwarzenegger in it.

"Polly had been riding motorbikes for 12 years – he had recently returned from another European tour on his bike and was about to attend an Advanced Motorcycle course which he was greatly looking forward to."

The 32-year-old was a former Borden Grammar School pupil. He subsequently moved on to the University of Huddersfield.

Fred Nash, chairman of Gore Court Club, where Alex played rugby, said: "He was a lovely, lovely guy - the real heart of our club.

"He played in the backs and was powerful, fast and very good in defence and attack."

Mr Nash added: "He was mischievous in a nice way, funny and he cared for others.

"Everybody loved him. He's going to be missed."

The collision occurred just before 7.20am yesterday between the junctions of Church Hill and Chequers Hill. Alex was riding a black motorbike.

Anyone who witnessed the crash should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting the reference 11-189.