A FATHER died in a head-on collision near the railway crossing in Rolvenden Road, Tenterden, late last night.

The man, believed to be in his 50s, died instantly in the two-car smash which happened just after 11pm. His Renault 19 was in collision with a Renault Megane near the Esso service station.

The victim lived in the Tenterden area but he has not yet been named by police. A villager, who did not want to be named, said: "He was a really nice man. He was very caring and loved animals."

The driver of the Renault Megane, a 45-year-old London man, was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford with neck injuries. He was later arrested and questioned by police.

Today police are appealing for witnesses and ask anyone with information to contact PC Laura Perez at Ashford police station on 01233 619051, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Fire crews from Tenterden, Cranbrook and Ashford were called to the accident scene last night. The road was reopened at about 7am today.