Tributes have been paid to a popular bowls player who died after the car he was driving veered off the road in Sholden.

Brian Stevens, of Ellen’s Road, Deal, was travelling on the A258 Sandwich Road at about 3.15am on Wednesday, August 17. He was in his 80s.

He had been travelling alone from Deal towards Sandwich when his dark-coloured Vauxhall Meriva left the road.

A member at Betteshanger Bowling Club since the 1970s, his nickname was Radar because of his special ability to bowl close to the jack.

“I remember last winter we had to replace our sleepers and he was down here helping every day, banging in nails and if he couldn’t do anything else, he’d be making the tea”

Men’s captain Willy Marshall said: “I’ve been playing bowls with Brian at Betteshanger since the late 1970s and he will be sorely missed by us all.

“As a man and a bowler, you couldn’t meet a nicer person.

“He bowled indoors and outdoors a couple of times a week, more if he could.

“He was a real gentleman and whenever you needed a player, you would only had to ask him and he’d put his name down. He never let you down.”

Mr Marshall described the former pit worker as quiet but polite and friendly.

He added: “I remember last winter we had to replace our sleepers and he was down here helping every day, banging in nails and if he couldn’t do anything else, he’d be making the tea.”

The ambulance service sent crews in two cars and an ambulance to the accident.

Spokesman Richard Airey said: “Sadly despite their best efforts and the efforts of emergency colleagues the man was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw either the collision, or the car beforehand.

They should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference 17-0148.